Real Madrid expressed its frustration with the refereeing in their 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish League on Saturday.
Los Blancos claim a controversial refereeing decision denied them a potential win, which could have major ramifications in the title race.
The match in Vallecas started poorly for Real Madrid, with Rayo taking a 2-0 lead with early headers from Unai Lopez and Abdelmoumen.
However, Real Madrid fought back, as Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham equalized at 2-2 before half-time.
In the second half, Rodrigo put the visitors ahead with a well-taken goal, but Issy Palazón equalized for Rayo just eight minutes later.
With this result, Real Madrid is one point behind Barcelona, the league leaders.
After the match, Real Madrid published a report on its official website and social media channels under the title: “Controversial refereeing denies Madrid victory.”
👔 @Mr.Ancelotti:”Vinnie Junior's penalty kick seemed very clear to me.”#Rayo_Real_Madrid pic.twitter.com/9SIqf6oQLr
– Real Madrid FC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 14, 2024
The article criticized referee Juan Martinez Munuera's decision not to award a penalty kick due to Abdelmoumen's intervention on Vinicius Junior in the 75th minute.
“In the 75th minute came the most controversial play of the match,” the report stated.
“It is clear that Vinny Junior was fouled inside the penalty area by Momen, but Martinez Munuera did not award a penalty kick, and there was no warning from (Pablo) Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR referee.”
Real Madrid have been vocal this season about their dissatisfaction with refereeing, often highlighting refereeing errors on Real Madrid TV.
Speaking after the match, coach Carlo Ancelotti also spoke about the incident, saying: “Seeing the replay, the penalty seemed very clear to me.
“There are draws and there are draws. The draws with Mallorca and Las Palmas (in August) were completely different from this one… We are on the right track.
“Mallorca and Las Palmas draws made me nervous, but this match didn't do that.
“I thought it would be very difficult for us to find balance and attitude (this season), but we found it.
“We have the same attitude as last year, the same commitment, the same quality. Rodrigo is back today. (Eduardo) Camavinga is back.
“(David) Alaba will be back. I'm starting 2025 with a lot of enthusiasm. We are in the fight for everything.”
Real Madrid's next challenge will be on Wednesday, where they will face Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.
