Real Madrid News
Real Madrid TV questions La Liga refereeing after Valverde red card call: ‘This is a scandal’
Real Madrid secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, keeping their La Liga title hopes alive.
However, instead of the result dominating the headlines, the focus has shifted to controversy, specifically the sending-off of Federico Valverde.
The Uruguayan midfielder once again proved his importance on the pitch, contributing with a goal in a high-intensity derby.
Yet, his performance was overshadowed by a late red card following a challenge on Alex Baena.
As things stand, Real Madrid remain four points behind Barcelona, but they now face the possibility of being without one of their most influential players for at least the next match against Mallorca.
Explosion on Real Madrid TV
As a result, the reaction from the club’s media channel, Real Madrid TV, was intense.
During their post-match analysis, they criticised the referee’s decision, arguing that the punishment did not fit the challenge.
“This is a scandal, a disgrace. It’s a clear yellow-card foul, it’s blatant, but if we remember what happened in Pamplona, we can understand this and why VAR didn’t call it,” they said.
Beyond that, statistical comparisons across La Liga paint a picture that many supporters find difficult to accept.
This is because Real Madrid are currently one of the least aggressive teams in the league in terms of fouls committed, with just 286, second only to Barcelona’s 267.
Yet, despite this, they have received seven red cards this season, making them one of the most penalised sides.
In contrast, both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have seen just two players sent off each.
More from RMTV
The criticism from Real Madrid TV went even further, questioning not just the decision itself but the story that often follows such incidents.
“People will say the problem is Real Madrid TV, which makes videos. We’re doing this to point out that this can never be a red card—it’s a textbook yellow.
“Baena touches the ball, clears it, and that’s why Valverde doesn’t touch it. He didn’t try to ruin the derby; he tried to ruin Real Madrid, which isn’t the same thing.
“Later, we’ll watch ‘Tiempo de Justificación,’ where they might even agree with him,” they explained.
They continued by expressing scepticism over how the decision would be defended in post-match analysis, stating,
“I’m sure he’ll justify this call and say that both the referee and the VAR official were right. That can’t be; you shouldn’t send a player off for this.
“Then they’ll try to feed us a bunch of nonsense, talking about intensity, about there being no ball.
“Of course, there’s a ball, but Valverde can’t reach it because Baena touches it,” they concluded.
Source: MARCA
It has been an unusually long September international break, but Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho will have begun preparing for club football to resume this weekend.
Los Blancos are gradually getting their squad back together after the international break, with Denzel Dumfries, Brahim Diaz, Bernardo Silva, Vinicius Junior and Endrick having now completed their national-team commitments.
All five players are set to return to Madrid, giving Mourinho an important group back as preparations resume ahead of a difficult game against Villarreal.
Mourinho’s numbers begin to improve
The timing is particularly useful for Mourinho because international breaks can leave coaches with very little time to work with their full squads.
Dumfries and Bernardo are two players whose roles remain particularly interesting.
The Dutchman provides Mourinho with a powerful option on the right, while Bernardo’s ability to control possession could become increasingly valuable as Madrid continue searching for the right midfield balance.
Vinicius returning is equally significant. The Brazilian has endured a difficult opening period of the season by his standards.
Getting back to Madrid early and having the extra days of training could be beneficial in helping him rediscover his best level.
Another opportunity for Endrick
Endrick’s return could be especially important on an individual level.
The 20-year-old has barely featured for Madrid this season, playing only four official minutes, with injury also affecting his opportunities.
His lack of football has already created questions about whether another loan could become necessary in January.
The coming weeks therefore represent an important period for the young striker. With Kylian Mbappe still recovering from an injury, he could get an opportunity against Villarreal.
Brahim’s return gives Mourinho another attacking option, while having five internationals back should also allow the manager to try out tactical ideas.
International breaks often force clubs to prepare for matches with players arriving in stages and carrying different workloads.
The length of this break has almost made this feel like a mini pre-season, and it remains to be seen what improvements we see from the team once club football resumes.
