Real Madrid voiced strong discontent towards referee Jesus Gil Manzano’s choice to conclude the game and nullify Jude Bellingham’s potential late game-winner during their 2-2 draw against Valencia on Saturday evening.
Despite establishing a commanding two-goal lead courtesy of strikes from Hugo Duro and Roman Yaremchuk within the first half-hour, the hosts found themselves pegged back by two Vinicius Junior goals in the latter part of the match.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, Bellingham seemed to clinch all three points for Los Blancos with a close-range header, only for the referee to blow the final whistle before the ball reached him. Bellingham, who had returned to the starting lineup after a three-week injury hiatus, was subsequently shown a red card for protesting against the decision.
Following the match, Real Madrid asserted that they were deserving victors and lamented that Gil Manzano’s unprecedented call robbed them of a win.
Despite the setback, Carlo Ancelotti’s side maintains a seven-point lead over Girona at the summit of La Liga. However, their closest contenders for the title, including third-placed Barcelona, could narrow the gap with triumphs on Sunday.
While Bellingham will be sidelined for their upcoming league encounter against Celta Vigo due to suspension, he will be eligible to participate in the second leg of Madrid’s Champions League last-16 clash against RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening.