Real Madrid criticized referee Jesus Gil Manzano’s decision to blow for full-time and deny Jude Bellingham a late winner in their 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday night.
The hosts had their two-goal lead erased by two second-half strikes from Vinicius Junior, after Hugo Duro and Roman Yaremchuk had put them ahead by the half-hour mark.
Bellingham appeared to secure all three points for Los Blancos when he headed in from close range six minutes into stoppage time, but referee Gil Manzano ended the game before the cross had been delivered.
Bellingham, who returned to the starting XI after three weeks out through injury, was then shown a red card for protesting the decision, adding to the controversy surrounding the match.
Following the game, Madrid insisted they ‘deserved’ to win the game.
Real Madrid’s anger towards the referee
A post on their Real Madrid website reads: “An unprecedented refereeing decision by Gil Manzano prevented Real Madrid’s victory against Valencia at Mestalla. With the score at 2-2 and in the last play of the game, Brahim [Diaz] crossed into the area and Bellingham finished off with a header making it 2-3. But the referee annulled the goal by signalling the end of the match when the Malaga native’s pass went through the air.
“The league leaders deserved the three points, but added only one in a match that they were losing 2-0. Two goals from Vini[cius] Junior tied the duel, finally resolved with the decision of Gil Manzano.”
Carlo Ancelotti‘s side still maintain a seven-point lead over Girona at the summit of La Liga, despite the setback. However, their title rivals and third-placed Barcelona have the opportunity to narrow the gap with potential victories on Sunday, intensifying the race for the league title.
Although Jude Bellingham will miss Real Madrid’s upcoming league fixture against Celta Vigo due to suspension should they fail to get a successful appeal.
The England international will be eligible to participate in the second leg of Madrid’s Champions League last-16 clash against RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.