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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ancelotti claims Espanyol deserved red card</li><li>Carlos Romero made horror tackle on Mbappe</li><li>Espanyol win 1-0 with Romero scoring winner</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'A very ugly challenge!' - Carlo Ancelotti fumes at referee for failing to show red card for Kylian Mbappe horror foul in Real Madrid's shock defeat at Espanyol

Copa del Rey

Real Sociedad

Real Madrid

LaLiga

Villarreal

Espanyol

<p>Real Madrid were shocked by Espanyol in the 85th minute as Romero finished the Catalan side's counter-attack by slotting the ball past a stranded Thibaut Courtois. However, there are claims being made by Los Blancos stars and their affiliated media that Romero should have been sent off earlier in the game after his shin-high studs-up tackle on Mbappe. Ancelotti has now opened up on the same and criticised referee Muniz Ruiz.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Speaking to the media, Ancelotti said: "The decision the referee and the VAR took is inexplicable. Everyone saw it. The most important thing is to protect the player. It's a clear foul, a very ugly challenge. Fortunately, nothing happened in terms of an injury, but the VAR is there for that. It's inexplicable to us that he didn't show a red card."</p>

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

<p>As has become a common occurrence whenever Real Madrid drop points, the Los Blancos' social media team was quick to put up a critical review of the referee's performance with Real Madrid TV also showcasing all of the fifty-fifty chances that did not go in the 15-time Champions League winners' favour. Over the course of the last two years, Real Madrid have received a lot of criticism from La Liga, RFEF and the Spanish referees' association regarding their critique against referees before games as they attempt to pressure the officials against making calls against their side.</p><p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Madrid slip to defeat in Barcelona, with refereeing and VAR controversy.</p>— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1885827764877484369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
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THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The Italian's comments against referee Muniz Ruiz come off as very hypocritical as Ancelotti had previously claimed that referees are humans and can make mistakes after Real Madrid's controversial win over Celta Vigo in October. Nonetheless, the pressure on the 65-year-old continues as Los Blancos fans remain discontent with his tactical ineptness despite their lead in the league table.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR ANCELOTTI?

'A very ugly challenge!' - Carlo Ancelotti fumes at referee for failing to show red card for Kylian Mbappe horror foul in Real Madrid's shock defeat at Espanyol | Goal.com

Carlo Ancelotti has criticized referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz for not sending off Espanyol&apos;s Carlos Romero after his horror tackle on Kylian Mbappe.

&apos;A very ugly challenge!&apos; - Carlo Ancelotti fumes at referee for failing to show red card for Kylian Mbappe horror foul in Real Madrid&apos;s shock defeat at Espanyol

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