Xavi Claims Refs Are Favouring Real Madrid After Controversial Jude Bellingham Penalty vs Almeria

Fred Kennedy

updated at January 22, 2024 at 11:24 AM

In this article:

Real Madrid vs. Almeria was marked by controversial refereeing decisions
Carlo Ancelotti's men were awarded a penalty in the 57th minute of the tie
Los Blancos currently sit a point behind leaders Girona, who have 52 points

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Barcelona boss, Xavi has sensationally suggested that rivals, Real Madrid won unfairly against Almeria.

Real stunned Los Rojiblancos 3-2 on Sunday, January 21, at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu to mount pressure on leaders, Girona.

Real Madrid players celebrate a goal during their La Liga match against Almeria at Santiago Bernabeu. Photo by Guillermo Martinez. — Real Madrid players celebrate a goal during their La Liga match against Almeria at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Photo by Guillermo Martinez.
Source: Getty Images

According to the BBC, Jude Bellingham inspired the hosts' fightback, having gone 2-0 down at the interval after goals from Largie Ramazani and Edgar Gonzalez.

The Englishman then pulled one back for Los Blancos from the penalty spot in the 57th minute before Vinicius Junior made it 2-2 in the 67th minute.

Dani Carvajal was Real Madrid's man of the moment, with the Spaniard scoring the winner in stoppage time.

Girona visit Almeria aiming to take solo Liga lead

Football

Xavi claims referees are biased towards Real

Goal reports that Bellingham's penalty sparked controversy, with the Almeria camp outraged with a string of VAR calls that went in favour of Real Madrid.

Coach Gaizka Garitano, who saw a red card during the tie, complained about the officiating, claiming he had experienced the same at Santiago Bernabeu before.

Garitano's sentiments have been backed by Xavi, who shared his counterpart's grievances on the state of refereeing in the La Liga.

"I already said in Getafe that it was going to be very difficult to win this league. There are people who don't remember but I think we could have six more points in this championship," he said.

"They are not excuses, they are realities; 95th minute situations that always come up with a cross... There are things that we do not control, everyone has seen it today," Xavi added.