Bellingham Questions Red Card as Real Madrid's Winless Streak Continues
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has expressed his frustration after receiving a controversial red card in his team’s 1-1 draw against Osasuna. Manager Carlo Ancelotti also voiced his displeasure over refereeing decisions that he believes cost his team valuable points.
Bellingham was sent off in the 39th minute and insisted that he did not insult the referee. "I do not want to go into details, but I didn’t say anything offensive. I hope they review the footage because it was a misunderstanding," he said. Despite the incident, Bellingham apologized to his teammates.
Ancelotti was particularly upset about the use of the video assistant referee (VAR). He believed that three potential penalties for Madrid were ignored—two for fouls on Vinícius Júnior and Bellingham, and one for a handball by Osasuna’s Alejandro Catena. In contrast, the referee awarded Osasuna a penalty after reviewing a challenge by Eduardo Camavinga on Ante Budimir. The Croatian striker scored from the spot, canceling out Kylian Mbappé’s earlier goal.
The Italian manager also criticized the timing of VAR interventions, saying, "The referee booked me just for pointing out a handball. They must have turned on the VAR later." Madrid, now winless in three league games, remain at the top of La Liga with 51 points, one ahead of Atlético Madrid and three ahead of Barcelona, who have a game in hand against Rayo Vallecano.
Atlético Madrid Misses Opportunity to Lead La Liga:
Atlético Madrid failed to capitalize on Madrid’s dropped points as they drew 1-1 at home against Celta Vigo. Playing almost the entire match with 10 men after Pablo Barrios was sent off in the fourth minute, Atlético struggled to dominate.
Iago Aspas gave Celta the lead in the 68th minute with a penalty after Robin Le Normand fouled Borja Iglesias. However, substitute Alexander Sørloth equalized in the 81st minute, ensuring Atlético stayed within touching distance of the top spot.
Dortmund Slump to Defeat Against Bochum:
Borussia Dortmund suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat against relegation-threatened Bochum, marking their second consecutive Bundesliga loss. Bochum started strong, and their persistence paid off in the 33rd minute when January signing Giorgos Masouras scored from close range. Just two minutes later, Masouras capitalized on a defensive error by Niklas Süle to score his second goal and secure the victory.
Dortmund, who had impressed in their midweek Champions League win against Sporting, struggled to find their rhythm and failed to mount a comeback.
Lazio Salvage Late Draw Against Napoli:
A late goal from substitute Boulaye Dia earned Lazio a 2-2 draw against Serie A leaders Napoli. Napoli, who have 56 points, now risk losing their top spot if Inter Milan win their upcoming match against Juventus.
Lazio took an early lead through Gustav Isaksen, but Giacomo Raspadori quickly equalized for Napoli. The visitors then went ahead in the 64th minute after Lazio’s Adam Marusic scored an own goal. Although Mattia Zaccagni produced a stunning overhead kick, his goal was ruled out for offside. Dia ultimately secured a point for Lazio in the 87th minute with a precise low shot.
Atalanta Held to Goalless Draw by Cagliari:
Atalanta played out a disappointing 0-0 draw at home against Cagliari in a lackluster Serie A match. Despite dominating possession, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team managed just two shots on target. Atalanta thought they had scored in the 60th minute through Marco Brescianini, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Cagliari’s goalkeeper Elia Caprile.
The result leaves Atalanta frustrated as they continue their push for a European spot, while Cagliari remains comfortably in mid-table.
Conclusion:
The latest round of European football produced thrilling moments, controversies, and missed opportunities. Real Madrid remain league leaders despite their struggles, while Atlético Madrid and Borussia Dortmund failed to take advantage of their opportunities. Napoli’s title race remains tense, and Atalanta’s lackluster performance left fans disappointed. The coming weeks promise more excitement as teams battle for league supremacy.
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