Real Madrid’s season has revolved around playing badly but finding a way to win, no matter how small. Their most significant comeback to date was a 3-2 victory over last-place Almería at home.
Real Madrid required assistance in the second half after trailing 2-0 at the break due to goals from Largie Ramazani in just 40 seconds and Edgar González’s incredible volley. With the use of the video assistant referee (VAR), Real was able to tie the score at two.
First, following a VAR review, referee Francisco Hernández Maeso gave Real a penalty for a handball offense committed by Almería defender Kaiky Fernandes Melo, even though Los Blancos striker Joselu appeared to jump over him to get to the ball.
Jude Bellingham took the spot kick and cut Almería’s lead in half.
Then, in yet another VAR intervention, Bellingham went down clutching his face in agony, and Hernández Maeso disallowed what looked like a genuine goal for Almería. Although the replays appeared to show that midfielder Dion Lopy raised his hand to block the English star, there was very little contact, so it looked unfair to rule out the goal and give Lopy a yellow card.
Subsequently, the Merengues managed to equalize when the ball struck the net through what VAR replays indicated was Vinícius Jr.’s upper arm, but the goal was upheld.
In the ninth minute of stoppage time, Dani Carvajal scored the game-winning goal and completed the comeback, adding even more misery to Almería’s situation.
Almería, who are now at the bottom of La Liga and have not won a game this season, felt unfairly treated at the end of the game after all three of the significant VAR occurrences.
Gonzalo Melero, a midfielder, told reporters following the game, “We leave with the feeling that the match was robbed today, it’s that clear.” Nothing more, in my opinion, could have been done to assist in getting them into the game.
“The disallowed goal for a duel, the penalty, and the goal with [Vinícius’] hand that produces a motion. We are light years away from becoming the greatest league in the world, as has been frequently stated.
“It annoys me that I find it hard to say that.”
Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, told reporters that he believed “the right decisions were made” while managing to maintain a straight face.
He went on, “Everyone has their own opinion.” I speak from my observations. Almería performed admirably,
Given that surprise championship contender Girona defeated Sevilla 5-1 later on Sunday, keeping Real only one point behind with a game remaining, it was an especially significant victory.
The championship race resumes the next weekend when Girona takes on Celta Vigo and Real Madrid visits Las Palmas.
