Real Madrid criticized Juan Martinez Munuera’s “controversial refereeing” following their 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night.
The defending La Liga champions lost ground in the title race after failing to secure victory, with Isi Palazon’s second-half strike denying them a much-needed victory that would have seen them go higher. Classic competes with Barcelona in the first.
The injury-plagued Madrid, missing Kylian Mbappe against Rayohad already come from two goals down to take the lead after the break. Tries from Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and substitute Vinicius Junior turned the game around after a disappointing start.
However, Madrid felt they should have been awarded a penalty in the 75th minute of the clash after Abdul Mumin’s challenge on Vinicius. A spot would give them the chance to take the lead in the closing stages, but they had to settle for a point.
Madrid hit out at Martinez Munuera for his lack of action after the full-time whistle, posting a match report on their official website and social media channels with the headline: “Questioned refereeing denies Madrid win”.
“In the 75th minute came the most controversial play of the match,” claims the club’s report. “Vinny Junior was clearly brought down in the box by Mumin, but Martinez Munuera did not award a penalty, and there was no warning from (Pablo) Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR referee.”
Speaking after the match, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti agreed, stating: “Watching a replay, the penalty looked very clear to me.”
To make matters worse, Vinicius was booked for his protests during the match, meaning he will miss Madrid’s next outing in La Liga.
Los Blancos are now anxiously awaiting his outcome The battle between Barcelona and Leganes on Sunday night, with victory for the Catalan giants taking them four points clear of Madrid with a game in hand.
Ancelotti’s side now take a break from domestic action as they head to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. They face Mexican side Pachuca in their first match on December 18.
