Real Madrid News
CTA admits VAR error in analysing Real Madrid defender’s challenge during Getafe loss
Spain’s refereeing authority, the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), has taken a closer look at the controversial moments from the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Getafe.
The analysis was presented on Tuesday during the programme Tiempo de Revisión (h/t Mundo Deportivo), where the refereeing body reviews key incidents from the weekend’s matches.
Notably, the game ended in a 1-0 victory for Getafe, but much of the attention after the match focused on two controversial refereeing decisions.
What’s the story?
One of the main incidents discussed involved Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger and Getafe full-back Diego Rico.
The moment occurred in the 26th minute when Rico was on the ground during a challenge.
During the action, Rudiger’s knee struck Rico in the face while the Getafe player was still lying on the pitch.
Despite the seriousness of the contact, referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz did not award a foul or take disciplinary action.
Admitting the error
The situation also went unchecked by VAR on the day, with the system being overseen by Valentin Pizarro Gomez.
After reviewing the footage, the CTA concluded that the incident should have been handled differently.
According to their explanation, the challenge met the criteria for violent conduct.
The refereeing body explained that Rudiger “lunged with his knee at an opponent lying on the ground with no chance of playing the ball.
“As this was an incident not seen by the referee and constituted a clear, obvious and manifest error, the VAR should have recommended a review on the monitor so that a direct red card could be given for violent conduct.”
Another incident from different match
Another situation examined during the review involved a challenge from Real Madrid midfielder Manuel Angel on Celta Vigo player Fer Lopez.
The tackle took place during the build-up to the goal eventually scored by Federico Valverde, which turned out to be the match-winner
On the pitch, referee Isidro Diaz de Mera Escuderos did not call a foul, allowing play to continue. VAR also did not intervene during the action, with Juan Luis Pulido Santana overseeing the review.
After studying the play, the CTA supported the referee’s interpretation and confirmed that the tackle was fair.
According to the explanation presented during the review programme, “the Real Madrid player’s dispute is correct.
“He slides in, clearly touching the ball with his foot, with the subsequent contact being residual and insufficient to be considered a foul.
“Therefore, the goal was correctly awarded, correctly interpreted both on the pitch and in the VAR room.”
The review also highlighted that VAR did not step in during the Manuel Angel challenge because the referee had a clear view of the incident on the pitch.
In such situations, the final judgement depends on the referee’s interpretation of the contact.
Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho wants more attacking options at Real Madrid despite reaching 500-goal milestone
Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to become even more dangerous in attack, despite reaching a significant milestone during their 4-3 victory over AS Roma.
According to MARCA, it has come to light that Antonio Rudiger’s goal against Roma helped Mourinho’s Real Madrid reach 500 goals under his management.
However, the achievement has not changed the Portuguese coach’s desire to add more variety to his team’s attacking play.
In fact, Mourinho wants a side capable of controlling possession, launching rapid counter-attacks and creating danger from set pieces, all without losing the defensive discipline that defines his approach.
Mourinho targets attacking variety at Real Madrid
Real Madrid already have considerable firepower at their disposal, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Yan Diomande, Arda Guler, Carlos Espi and Endrick, giving Mourinho several attacking options.
On top of that, the injured Rodrygo would provide another high-quality alternative once available.
Hence, the challenge is not only to score more goals, but to make Real Madrid less predictable.
Mourinho wants his forwards to exploit their pace in transition while ensuring the team can also break down opponents through patient build-up play.
Set pieces are another important part of his plans, as combining those threats with defensive organisation would give the team more ways to control matches and punish different types of opposition.
Mourinho reaches 500 goals for Real Madrid
Rudiger’s strike against Roma carried added significance because it took Mourinho to 500 goals in 188 matches as Real Madrid manager.
That works out at an average of 2.66 goals per game, the best return among club managers who have overseen at least 50 matches.
La Liga accounts for the largest share, with Real Madrid scoring 345 goals in 122 matches.
They have added 92 goals in 38 Champions League games, 55 in 24 Copa del Rey matches and eight in four Spanish Super Cup fixtures.
Their biggest victory during this spell came in the 2010-11 Copa del Rey, when Madrid beat Levante 8-0.
This season, though, the team are averaging 2.5 goals per match.
Mourinho wants more from Real Madrid’s attack
The numbers underline Real Madrid’s scoring power, but Mourinho is looking beyond the milestone.
His ambition is to build a more versatile attack that can adapt to different opponents rather than rely solely on individual brilliance or quick transitions.
With Mbappe and Vinicius offering pace and penetration, and several other options providing different qualities, Madrid have the personnel to develop that flexibility.
Hence, the next step is making those strengths work together consistently.
