Almeria feel they were robbed today as Madrid came back from 2 goals down ton win 3-2.
The home side found themselves two goals down after impressive strikes from Ramazani and Edgar Gonzalez in the first half.
But the second half saw the game turned around, however, not without a string of controversial VAR calls.
Real Madrid initiated their comeback with a Bellingham penalty in the 56th minute, awarded following a debatable handball decision after an extensive VAR review.
However, Almeria’s hopes suffered another blow when a Sergio Arribas goal from a counter-attack was disallowed after a prolonged VAR assessment.
Referee Francisco Maeso ruled an infringement in the build-up, deeming a foul by Almeria’s Dion Lopy on Bellingham, a decision met with frustration.
Five minutes later, Vinicius Jr. scored what appeared to be a handball goal. Initially disallowed, a subsequent VAR check deemed the goal legitimate, further fuelling controversy and leaving Almeria’s players and manager Asier Garitano fuming.
Vinicius clearly hit the ball with his arm but the referee allowed the goal to stand ?
Only Real Madrid can get away with that after a VAR review lol
pic.twitter.com/b84RapeF34— N•O•C (@Neutral_OC) January 21, 2024
? – Another look at Vinicius Jr's goal, which wasn't seen as a handball. pic.twitter.com/ZdOE0vXBlL
— ??? ???? ? (@TheEuropeanLad) January 21, 2024
Carvajal sealed the comeback with the winning goal in the dying minutes of the game.
After the game, Almeria’s Gonzalo Melero told DAZN:
“Today we were robbed. It pains me to say it, but there’s no other way to take it. And that’s not the first this year. What happened today went beyond all limits, it was unbelievable.
“Nothing more could have been done for them to win the game…”
It's crazy how what should've been Real Madrid 2-3 Almería ended up being Real Madrid 3-2 Almería.
The only ones denying it are Madridistas.
Two incorrect decisions that will likely cost Girona the title and relegate Almería.— Football Report (@FootballReprt) January 21, 2024
Just watched the @realmadrid highlights. Officiating so so dodgy. So dodgy. Not a penalty. Not a foul to disallow 3rd goal against them. Blatant handball for their 2nd goal. Mad amount of injury time to get them their 3rd. Should have been 1-3 to Almeria.
— Dominic Campbell (@dominiccampbell) January 21, 2024
After just 40 seconds, 20th placed Almeria have taken the lead at the Bernabeu. They pressed high from kick off, won the ball from some sloppy Madrid passing and attacked in numbers . Madrid were caught out and Largie Ramazani appeared at the far post to finish right through Kepa – who never misses a chance to disappoint.