Real Madrid slam referee after Rayo Vallecano draw

Real Madrid have expressed their frustration with the officiating in their 3-3 LaLiga draw against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

Los Blancos are claiming that a controversial refereeing decision denied them a potential victory, which could have significant ramifications in the title race.

The match in Vallecas began poorly for Madrid, as Rayo raced to a 2-0 lead 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, Rodrygo gave the visitors a brief lead with a well-taken goal, but Isi Palazon equalized for Rayo just eight minutes later.

The result leaves Real Madrid one point behind league leaders Barcelona.

After the game, Madrid published a report on their official website and social media channels under the title “Controversial refereeing denies Madrid victory.”

👔 @MrAncelotti: “The Vini Jr. penalty seemed very clear to me.”#RayoRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/9SIqf6oQLr

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 14, 2024

The piece criticised 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 stated.

“Vini Jr. was clearly brought down inside the area by Mumin, but Martinez Munuera did not award a penalty, neither was there any warning from [Pablo] Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR referee.”

Madrid have been vocal this season about their dissatisfaction with officiating, often highlighting refereeing mistakes on Real Madrid TV.

Speaking after the game, head coach Carlo Ancelotti also addressed the incident, stating: “Seeing a replay, the penalty looked very clear to me.

“There are draws and there are draws. The draws with Mallorca and Las Palmas [in August] were totally different to this draw… We’re on the right track.

“The Mallorca and Las Palmas draws made me nervous, but this one didn’t.

“I thought it would be very difficult for us to find balance and attitude [this season], but we’ve found it.

“We have the same attitude as last year, the same commitment, the same quality. Rodrygo came back today. [Eduardo] Camavinga came back.

“[David] Alaba will come back. I start 2025 with a lot of enthusiasm. We’re in the fight for everything.”

Real Madrid’s next challenge is on Wednesday, where they will face Pachuca in the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.