Real Madrid couldn't get past a 1-1 draw against Atlético at Santiago Bernabéu, potentially putting LaLiga on edge depending on the rest of the results. It wasn't easy at all, with the entire match being marked by a decision from referee Soto Grado that constantly hindered Carlo Ancelotti's team. In the 35th minute, a penalty reviewed by VAR that should never have happened.
Soto Grado went to VAR to watch, in slow motion and with zoom, a slight stomp by Tchouaméni on Samu Lino. The Frenchman didn't see the opponent and tried to go for the ball, which was far away, and ended up slightly stepping on the rival. This slight contact was enough for the referee to be called and point to the penalty spot.
Julián Álvarez didn't miss the penalty, shooting to the center in a half Panenka to deceive Courtois. However, the joy didn't last long for Atlético, who saw how, quickly after the break, the equalizing goal would come. It was scored by Kylian Mbappé, once again the standout player for a Real Madrid that couldn't secure the 3 points in an important match.
Mbappé, along with Bellingham and Rodrygo, led the rest of his teammates. But the three weren't enough to achieve victory and secure the lead in LaLiga. Depending on what Barcelona does tomorrow, the gap could be reduced to just two points...
Real Madrid Draws Against Atlético and Blame Is Pointed: "This Is..."
The action was outrageous and even the most renowned anti-Madridists echoed it. Nobody could understand that Soto Grado called a penalty on Tchouaméni for a minor defensive action. One of them was former referee Mateu Lahoz who, now an analyst on COPE, highly criticized the decision made by his former whistle colleague.
Mateu Lahoz analyzing the action that led to Atlético's 0-1 penalty. "It's very unbelievable that we've reached a point where refereeing is done through the photo, through the snapshot, through something that isn't related to the nature of the game", he said. "This is changing a sport that has fascinated us for many years, and they keep insisting".
There's no turning back and, once again, the referees of this League have harmed Real Madrid in their fight for the title. Against Atlético, an unfair penalty that could bring Barça closer to the top of the table. The same old story...