Real Madrid 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 implications for the title race.
The match in Vallecas started badly for Madrid as Rayo went 2-0 up with two early headers from Unai Lopez and Abdul Mumin.
However, Madrid fought back, with Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham leveling the score at 2-2 before half-time.
In the second half, Rodrigo gave the visitors a brief lead with a well-worked goal, but Issy Palazon equalized for Rayo just eight minutes later.
The result leaves Real Madrid a point behind leaders Barcelona.
After the game, Madrid posted a statement on their official website and social media channels with the caption “Controversial refereeing denies Madrid victory.”
👔 @MrAncelotti: “Vini Jr.’s penalty It seemed very clear to me.”#RayoRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/9SIqf6oQLr
— Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 14, 2024
The piece criticized referee Juan Martinez Munuera’s decision not to award a penalty for a challenge on Vinicius Junior by Abdul Mumin in the 75th minute.
“In the 75th minute came the most controversial play of the match,” the report said.
“Vinny Junior was clearly brought down in the box by Mumin, but Martinez Munuerra did not award a penalty, and there was no warning from (Pablo) Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR referee.”
Madrid have expressed their displeasure this season with refereeing, often highlighting refereeing errors on Real Madrid TV.
Speaking after the game, coach Carlo Ancelotti also addressed the incident, stating: “Watching a replay, the penalty seemed very clear to me.
“There are draws and there are draws. The draws against Mallorca and Las Palmas (in August) were completely different to this draw… We are on the right track.
“The Mallorca and Las Palmas draws made me nervous, but not this one.
“I thought it would be very difficult for us to find balance and attitude (this season), but we did.
“We have the same attitude as last year, the same commitment, the same quality. Rodrigo is back today. (Eduardo) Caravinga is back.
“(David) Alaba will be back. I start 2025 with great enthusiasm. We are in the fight for everything.”
Real Madrid’s next challenge is on Wednesday when they face Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.
