Real Madrid News
Ancelotti says referee had ‘a plan for the game’ following handball robbery vs Sevilla
Carlo Ancelotti did not hold back in his criticism of the referee after Real Madrid’s comeback win against Sevilla on Sunday night.
Having gone behind two goals in the first half, Real Madrid fought their way back into the contest in the second half as goals from substitutes Rodrygo Goes and Nacho Fernandez helped them reinstate parity.
Karim Benzema then dispatched the match-winning goal in the stoppage time to send the travelling supporters into a frenzy at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
The game was marred by some inconsistent refereeing decisions, with Los Blancos being at the receiving end of a harsh handball call.
Vinicius Junior had put the ball into the back of the net in the 76th minute, but the goal did not stand as the referee deemed that the Brazilian had handled the ball. Despite a lengthy VAR check the decision was not overturned, even though it was evident that it was not a handball.
At the same time, Sevilla went unpunished when the ball appeared to have struck the arm of Diego Carlos inside the box.
Speaking in his post-match press conference (h/t DAZN), manager Ancelotti expressed his displeasure at the officiating, claiming that the referee ‘had a plan’ against his team.
“Vinicius’ goal was never a handball. It’s difficult for me to understand the handballs. It seems the referee had a plan for the game.
“Vinicius told me that he didn’t touch the ball. I can’t believe the ref disallowed that, if he had given the red card to Camavinga as well – his plan would have worked perfectly.”
Vinicius Jr. surprised following referee's handball call - Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty ImagesCommenting on his team’s ability to come back from difficult situations, the manager said: “We’re getting used to such games, this team is capable of special things. Everyone is waiting for Real Madrid to have a flat tire, but we’re cruising through.”
“I’m not saying that I am surprised because this team does not surprise me, but this second half makes me proud. I have to thank all of the players,” he added.
Ancelotti also praised the impact made by Rodrygo on the night while also name-checking Eduardo Camavinga for showing improvements in recent weeks.
“Rodrygo made a difference, just as Camavinga did these last few games. We’re working on them to improve and start getting into starting line-up,” the Merengues’ head coach stated.
When asked if Rodrygo was better utilised as an impact substitute from the bench, the manager replied: “This is what stats say. I think he will be a great player. He played an amazing game today.”
The Italian tactician insisted that Real Madrid had not yet won the La Liga title, but the victory away to Sevilla will serve as a major confidence booster. “We haven’t won the league yet but it’s a confidence boost to win here tonight,” he said.
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
