By Martin Graham | fifteenth Dec 2024
Actual Madrid expressed frustration with the officiating of Juan Martinez Munuera following their dramatic 3-3 draw in opposition to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night. The end result left the reigning La Liga champions trailing within the title race, as they missed a chance to surpass Barcelona on the prime of the desk.
Regardless of coping with a prolonged damage checklist and the absence of star participant Kylian Mbappe, Madrid mounted a powerful comeback after a sluggish begin. Targets from Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and substitute Vinicius Junior reversed a two-goal deficit, placing them forward early within the second half. Nonetheless, a late equalizer from Isi Palazon denied them the three factors they desperately wanted.
Penalty controversy sparks Madrid’s fury
The turning level of the match got here within the seventy fifth minute when Vinicius Junior gave the impression to be fouled by Abdul Mumin contained in the penalty field. Actual Madrid strongly believed the problem warranted a spot kick, however Martinez Munuera waved away their appeals, and VAR, led by Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, didn’t intervene.
Of their post-match assertion, Madrid condemned the choice, emphasizing the affect it had on the result. The membership’s official web site and social media channels featured a report titled “Controversial refereeing denies Madrid victory”. “Essentially the most contentious second got here within the seventy fifth minute,” the report acknowledged. “Vini Jr. was clearly introduced down within the space, however no penalty was awarded, nor was there any enter from the VAR official.”
Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid’s supervisor, echoed the membership’s frustrations, saying in his post-match interview: “From the replay, the penalty appeared apparent to me.” So as to add to their woes, Vinicius obtained a yellow card for protesting the choice, ruling him out of Madrid’s subsequent league match.
Title race tightens as Madrid eyes subsequent challenges
The dropped factors imply Actual Madrid should now look ahead to the results of Barcelona’s conflict with Leganes, as a win for the Catalan aspect would prolong their lead on the summit to 4 factors, albeit with an additional recreation performed.
Madrid will briefly shift their focus from home competitions as they put together for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Their first match is scheduled for December 18 in opposition to Mexican aspect Pachuca, providing a chance to regroup and achieve momentum earlier than returning to the league marketing campaign.
This end result underscores the challenges Madrid faces as they navigate accidents, intense competitors, and what they view as expensive officiating choices.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author
