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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes that the positions of the El Clásico referee against Barcelona are not controversial, noting that his team fought until the last moment.
Real Madrid fell behind twice, before turning the tables with a goal in the last moments, to emerge victorious (3-2) in the match that was held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, on Sunday evening, in the 32nd round of La Liga.
Ancelotti said, during statements reported by the Spanish newspaper “Sport”: “I did not see any controversial positions from the referee. For me, I will not comment on Barcelona’s calls for a goal to be awarded. There are no clear pictures. As for our penalty kick, I watched it and it seems completely clear.” .
In the 28th minute, Rafinha executed a corner kick at the near post, met by Lamine Yamal with one deceptive touch, and goalkeeper Andrey Lunin barely cleared it, while it seemed that the ball had crossed the goal line.
The Barcelona players demanded that the goal be counted, but the referee stopped the match for several minutes, waiting for the decision of the “VAR”, which confirmed that the ball had not crossed its entire circumference, after which the referee ordered the game to continue.
The Italian coach added: “It was a very equal match against strong Barcelona, which gave everything to restart the fight for La Liga. They advanced twice, but we fought until the last moment, and in the end Bellingham’s goal came.”
He continued: “It was a vital victory, and left us in a very good position in the league.”
He concluded: “The team had an unforgettable week, and I am very proud of the players after their reaction in two very difficult matches (Manchester City in the Champions League). We are happy, and we have great enthusiasm.”
With this victory, Real Madrid raised its score to 81 points at the top of the La Liga table, while Barcelona’s score froze at 70 points, widening the gap to 11 points, 6 rounds before the end.