Real Madrid Bench Rodrygo in Copa Final Loss to Barcelona

Real Madrid's recent 3-4 loss to Barcelona was overshadowed by the mysterious absence of Brazilian forward Rodrygo, who did not feature at all during the crucial match and was not even seen warming up. Despite struggling for form with just one goal in his last 22 appearances, Rodrygo's exclusion raised questions, especially as coach Carlo Ancelotti cited a 'feverish process' as the reason, a claim that remains unclear and fuels speculation. Ancelotti's tactical decisions, including prioritizing other players like Brahim Diaz and promoting Castilla striker Victor Munoz over Rodrygo, have drawn criticism, alongside his controversial trust in underperforming player Lucas Vazquez, who has been blamed for significant losses this season. This defeat and the lineup choices have sparked debate about Ancelotti's management and the team's future direction amid a season of underwhelming performances. Meanwhile, Barcelona continues to be celebrated for its rich history and iconic players, though many former stars have faded from memory, highlighting the contrast in club legacies. Similarly, Real Madrid has had many legendary players, but some notable talents, including Samuel Eto'o and Marcos Alonso, had brief and largely forgotten tenures at the club.