Real Madrid missed out on a supposed victory in LaLiga in a turbulent final phase before the Champions League duel with RB Leipzig. The Spanish record champions thought they were the winner on Saturday in the 2-2 (1-2) draw at FC Valencia after a header from Jude Bellingham in long added time, but the goal did not count because referee Jesús Gil Manzano blew the whistle while the cross was hit . Bellingham protested violently and was shown a red card.
In Valencia, Hugo Duro (27th minute) and Roman Yaremchuk (30th) gave the hosts a 2-0 lead within three minutes. Vinicius Junior, who was already the target of racist insults in Valencia, shortened the score in stoppage time in the first half. The Real team with Antonio Rüdiger, Toni Kroos and the recovered Bellingham pressed for the equalizer after the break, which was then again provided by Vinicius Junior (76th).
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A few minutes before the end of regular time, an injury to Valencia’s Mouctar Diakhaby caused the first shocking moment. Real’s Aurélien Tchouaméni went down after a challenge and fell with his entire body weight onto the central defender’s extended right knee. The reactions of the surrounding players, who buried their faces in their hands, immediately suggested a very serious injury. Bellingham’s missed goal was the end of the 100-minute game.
“An unprecedented referee decision prevented Real Madrid from winning the Mestalla,” said the Royals after the final whistle. “This has never happened to me before and there is nothing more to add. I think he made a mistake,” said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, who defended Bellingham after the dismissal. “The player made his statement clear. He spoke out vehemently after the goal and that was normal after what happened. It wasn’t an insult.” Referee Gil Manzano stated that Bellingham was too aggressive and shouting when demanding the “fucking goal”. For the ex-BVB professional it was the first red card of his professional career. “We are totally angry,” said Ancelotti. Real protested against the sending off.
The Madrilenians remain leaders with 66 points ahead of FC Girona, who, like third-placed FC Barcelona, only plays on Sunday. On Wednesday, RB Leipzig will be visiting the Royals for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16, who won the first leg 1-0.
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