Xavi Accuses Real Madrid of Referee Favoritism in La Liga Title Race
Barcelona coach Xavi has made strong allegations against Real Madrid, claiming that they are benefitting from favorable referee decisions in their pursuit of the La Liga title. Xavi believes that it will be “very difficult” for Barcelona to win the league this season due to these alleged biases.
The controversy arose after Real Madrid’s comeback win against Almeria. Despite being 2-0 down at halftime, Madrid secured a 3-2 victory with the help of three debatable VAR calls, including the winning goal scored by Dani Carvajal in the ninth minute of injury time. This result maintained Madrid’s seven-point lead over Barcelona, who also won their match against Real Betis.
Almeria midfielder Gonzalo Melero expressed his frustration, claiming that his team was “robbed” at the Santiago Bernabeu. He stated that nothing more could have been done for them to win the game and described the events as unbelievable.
When asked about the controversy, Xavi supported the claims made by Almeria head coach Gaizka Garitano and Spanish journalist Alfredo Relano. He emphasized that speaking up about these issues can lead to sanctions but stated that everyone has seen what happened. Xavi also referred to previous incidents, such as penalties and disallowed goals, which he believes have cost Barcelona valuable points throughout the season.
Despite the challenges they face, Xavi urged his team to keep working and focus on their own performance. He acknowledged that there are factors beyond their control but emphasized the need to stay on their path.
In conclusion, Xavi’s accusations of referee favoritism have added fuel to the intense rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid in the La Liga title race. The controversy surrounding Madrid’s win over Almeria highlights the importance of fair and unbiased officiating in football. As the season progresses, both teams will need to maintain their focus and perform at their best to secure the coveted league title.
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