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Real Madrid have expressed their frustration with the refereeing in their 3-3 LaLiga draw against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
Los Blancos claim a controversial refereeing decision denied them a potential victory, which could have major ramifications on the title race.
The match in Vallecas started badly for Madrid, as Rayo took a 2-0 lead with two early headers from Unai López and Abdul Mumin.
However, Madrid fought back and Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham tied the score at 2-2 before the break.
In the second half, Rodrygo gave the visitors a brief lead with a well-taken goal, but Isi Palazón equalized for Rayo just eight minutes later.
The result leaves Real Madrid one point behind league leaders Barcelona.
After the match, Madrid published a report on its official website and on its social networks under the title ““A controversial arbitration denies victory to Madrid.”
👔 @MrAncelotti: “Vini Jr.’s penalty seemed very clear to me.”#RayoRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/9SIqf6oQLr
— Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 14, 2024
The article criticized referee Juan Martínez Munuera’s decision not to award a penalty for a challenge by Abdul Mumin on Vinicius Junior in the 75th minute.
“In the 75th minute came the most controversial play of the game,” the report states.
“Vini Jr. was clearly knocked down inside the area by Mumín, but Martínez Munuera did not sanction a penalty, nor was there a warning from (Pablo) González Fuertes, VAR referee.”
Madrid has expressed its dissatisfaction with refereeing this season, often highlighting refereeing errors on Real Madrid TV.
After the match, coach Carlo Ancelotti also referred to the incident and stated: “When I saw the replay, the penalty seemed very clear to me.
“There are ties and there are draws. The draws with Mallorca and Las Palmas (in August) were totally different from this draw… We are on the right track.
“The draws in Mallorca and Las Palmas made me nervous, but not this one.
“I thought it would be very difficult for us to find the balance and the attitude (this season), but we have found it.
“We have the same attitude as last year, the same commitment, the same quality. Rodrygo is back today. (Eduardo) Camavinga returned.
“(David) Alaba will return. I start 2025 with great enthusiasm. “We are in the fight for everything.”
Real Madrid’s next challenge is on Wednesday, when they will face Pachuca in the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
