Jude Bellingham lauded as a 'tireless fighter' by Spanish media for battling Real Madrid display in Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona despite post-match red card

Real were beaten 3-2 by Barcelona in the final of the Copa del Rey on Saturday, as goals from Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Jules Kounde proved decisive. Kounde's winner came in extra time, as the game ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, but there was more drama to come, with Bellingham sent off amid wild Real protestations at full-time. Antonio Rudiger was also red-carded for attempting to throw ice at the referee, while Lucas Vazquez rounded out a trio of sending offs.

Defensa Centralgave Bellingham a mighty 9/10 rating, writing: "He was one of Real Madrid's most active players alongside Fede Valverde. He tried to unleash passes to his attacking teammates through the middle, acting as an attacking midfielder, but also working hard defensively to maintain the unity of the unit. After the break, he unleashed his potential and ended up offering his best version: pressing, controlling the game, and being instrumental in constructing attacking plays. He finished the Copa del Rey final completely drained, both physically and on the pitch."

Sportwere less effusive but still maintained Bellingham was exceptional, giving him a score of seven and writing: "During Real Madrid's worst moments, he was the only one who maintained his composure, and in the Whites' reaction, he continued to demonstrate his intelligence, both physically and tactically, on the pitch."

La Vanguardiagave the England midfielder 6/10, concluding: "Jude Bellingham wasn't the best player because he played too far from the opponent's box, but he was a tireless fighter and the driving force of Madrid. He lacked more accuracy in front of goal."

Marca rate players over the first half and second half, and included points for extra time. They gave him a seven for the first half, eight for the second, and eight overall. They claimed he had "no luck" in the first half, was "the best" in the second half, and "was the team's best player" in extra time.

@TheMadridZone posted Bellingham's stats, writing: "Jude Bellingham vs Barcelona: 74 touches, 3 key passes, 4/4 dribbles, 14 duels won, 5 fouls won, 4 tackles, 1 interception, 2/3 long balls, 89% passing. Unbelievable despite the loss."

@SamiRMCF said: "This game proved Bellingham is a much better footballer than Pedri."

@JohnHonesty__ added: "Barca fans spent 3 years saying Jude Bellingham 'hides his stinkers with goals'. Today Jude dogwalked Pedri but because Pedri scored, suddenly goals mean everything again. Hilarious bunch."

@Dansnewgen said: "Jude Bellingham is by far the best midfielder on the planet, Pedri has been nowhere near his level tonight."

@Mxdric concluded: "You managed to get Raphinha and Lamine on a bad day, no Lewandowski, Bellingham 10/10 performance and still couldn’t win. Okay."

Real are next in action against Celta Vigo on Sunday before they renew hostilities with Barcelona in La Liga on May 11. They sit four points behind their Clasico rivals with five games to play.