Almeria wasn’t the only side left frustrated after their nail-biting encounter against Real Madrid, which saw Los Blancos take away 3 points from them in the dying minutes.
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez also expressed his displeasure over the preferential treatment that Madrid receives from referees in the league and insisted that his side has lost a total of six points this season over decisions that went against their way.
“I already said in Getafe that it was going to be very difficult to win this league. There are people who don’t remember but I think we could have six more points in this championship,” said Xavi.
“I remember the penalty in the Coliseum, the resounding penalty against Raphinha, Joao Felix’s goal in Granada… They are not excuses, they are realities, 95th minute situations that always come up with a cross… There are things that we do not control, everyone has seen it today.”
Real Madrid made a dramatic second-half comeback from down two goals to clinch a thrilling 3-2 win against Almeria to maintain remain in a heated contest for the top spot in La Liga.
FT: Real Madrid 3-2 Almeria◎ 01′ Real Madrid 0-1 Almeria◎ 43′ Real Madrid 0-2 Almeria◉ 57′ Real Madrid 1-2 Almeria◉ 67′ Real Madrid 2-2 Almeria◉ 90+9′ Real Madrid 3-2 Almeria
Los Blancos come back to win the match in stoppage time after a hugely controversial… pic.twitter.com/3F5u0SoTbC
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) January 21, 2024
Almeria were left frustrated not merely because of the loss, but the numerous controversial VAR calls that went against them, mainly the penalty which allowed Jude Bellingham to inspire Real Madrid’s comeback from down 1-2 after the penalty.
An infuriated Almeria’s Gonzalo Melero stated that his team was “robbed” of the three points they deserved.
“It’s that clear. They could not have done more for [Madrid] to get back in the match,” exclaimed Melero.
Almeria’s coach Gaizka Garitano doesn’t want to speak on the match against Real Madrid:“If I give my opinion, then they punish us coaches for speaking.” pic.twitter.com/HD1J9671PW
— LaLigaExtra (@LaLigaExtra) January 21, 2024
But, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti does not seem to agree, understandably. Ancelotti believes that despite Almeria being justified in their frustration, the referees ultimately made the right calls.
“I understand Almería’s anger with the decisions, but I think they were all correct. I have seen them back. I think the referee gets them right. It’s not VAR making the decisions. VAR advises and the referee decides. I think he was right,” said Ancelotti at a post-match presser.
Without a victory in 21 matches and 10 points from safety, the drop looms for Almeria despite improvement since coach Gaizka Garitano arrived in October.
At the same time, Real Madrid are one point away from the top spot, held by Girona currently, with a game in hand.
Comments
0 comment