Real Madrid News
Celta Vigo players question controversial refereeing during Real Madrid clash
Real Madrid’s 2-1 win at the Balaidos has triggered controversy not only amongst fans but also players of Celta Vigo. The referee took several game-defining decisions, all seemingly in Los Blancos‘ favour.
The Galician players came out after the game and spoke openly about how they felt cheated on the night. They did not shy away from taking a jibe at referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes.
Nolito scored the equaliser for Celta Vigo in the 552nd minute before Benzema’s eventual winner. Moreover, it was the forward who conceded the first penalty on the night. The Spaniard said, “Celta Vigo were absolutely disrespected today.”
Iago Aspas found himself at the end of a controversial decision, too, when he was judged to have been obstructing the play, denying his side a first-half equaliser. He commented,
“The only thing missing was for the referee to take one of the penalties he gave them himself. It looked like he wanted Benzema to score a hat-trick.”
Fran Beltran did not hesitate to directly question the VAR system and personnel, saying it was not used appropriately despite being available.
“We have VAR right there in front of our eyes, and we don’t use it.”
The controversy sparked at Balaidos because the visitors were awarded three penalties in ninety minutes. While two of them were justifiable, the third penalty seemed dubious. Moreover, the referee’s decision to disallow Celta’s equaliser only made matters worse.
With this win, Real Madrid extend their lead at the top of La Liga to 12 points. Their next game will be at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Source: El Chiringuito
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
