Real Madrid expressed strong criticism towards referee Jesus Gil Manzano’s decision to end the match and disallow Jude Bellingham’s potential late winner in their 2-2 draw against Valencia on Saturday night.
Despite being up by two goals thanks to strikes from Hugo Duro and Roman Yaremchuk in the first half-hour, the hosts were pegged back by two Vinicius Junior goals in the second half.
In stoppage time, Bellingham appeared to secure all three points for Los Blancos with a close-range header, but the referee blew the final whistle before the cross reached him.
Bellingham, making a return to the starting lineup after a three-week injury layoff, was subsequently sent off for protesting against the decision.
After the game, Real Madrid asserted that they deserved to win, stating that Gil Manzano’s unprecedented decision denied them victory.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team still maintains a seven-point lead over Girona at the summit of La Liga, although their closest title rivals and third-placed Barcelona could narrow the gap with victories on Sunday.
While Bellingham will miss their next league fixture against Celta Vigo due to suspension, he will be eligible to play in the second leg of Madrid’s Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig on Wednesday evening.
