On the eve of the Copa del Rey final gala, Atlético de Madrid president Enrique Cerezo stole the show with his signature candid commentary. Never one to shy away from controversy, Cerezo took aim at video refereeing in front of the RFEF president, boldly stating that "VAR is harming referees." This stance echoes the growing frustration felt by many clubs across Spanish football.

Despite Atlético being tipped by many as favorites, Cerezo was quick to downplay that notion. He reminded everyone that just months ago, his team was being counted out. "In football there are no favorites, matches are fifty-fifty," he asserted, while still honoring the occasion as "the great night of Spanish football."

Turning to the future of star forward Antoine Griezmann, Cerezo painted a picture of a storybook ending. "Winning in the last minute with an unfair penalty would be perfect for him and for everyone," he mused. For the club, securing this trophy would represent more than just silverware; Cerezo sees it as a "new sporting beginning" for an Atlético side firmly established among Europe's elite.