WATCH: Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid left defeated by controversial refereeing decisions during Madrid derby draw
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 on Sunday night, with the visitors stealing a point courtesy of a late equalizer from Marcos Llorente. It was a controversial occasion at the Santiago Bernabeu, and both teams felt like they were on the receiving end of refereeing decisions.
Long before Llorente's late goal, Atleti had the ball in the back of the net just three minutes into the second half. Stefan Savic brilliantly headed home Antoine Griezmann's corner, but the goal ended up being ruled out by VAR after Saul Niguez – who was offside – was deemed to have tripped Andriy Lunin.
🚨 Savic's goal disallowed due to Saúl's offside. #LALIGAEASPORTS #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/96DFXHq4gn
— Football on Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) February 4, 2024
VAR ruled Savic's goal for offside by Saul 💀 pic.twitter.com/zNrAV0yF8l
— a. (@lapulgaprop_) February 4, 2024
Likewise, Real Madrid felt he should have been awarded at least one penalty by referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez. Lucas Vazquez went down under a challenge from Saul Niguez, and Jude Bellingham was left fuming at not being awarded a spot kick after a collision with Stefan Savic.
Very clear penalty on Lucas Vázquez is not called.
Real Madrid is stolen, nothing new.
– gam (@mbafraudee) February 4, 2024
No VAR check for a clear penalty on Jude, unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/vEsVRTTbvQ
– JBZ (@JBellinghamZone) February 4, 2024
There is certainly a space for the three decisions that have been awarded differently, and highlight once again the level of refereeing in Spanish football. However, little can be done now, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid now to look forward.
