Xavi Speaks Out on Refereeing Decisions: Real Madrid Controversy and the Challenge in La Liga

Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi, candidly addressed the media following Real Madrid’s controversial 3-2 victory over Almeria, expressing his concerns about refereeing decisions impacting the title race.

“If we speak up, they will punish us, but everyone has seen it [the refereeing in Real Madrid v Almeria],” Xavi remarked. He emphasized the difficulty of winning La Liga and urged his team to continue working hard despite external factors.

Reflecting on previous instances, Xavi recalled contentious decisions in the Getafe game, a penalty incident against Raphinha in Vallecas, and Joao Felix’s disallowed goal in Granada. According to Xavi, these situations could have added six more points to Barcelona’s tally, highlighting the impact of late-game decisions going against his team.

The Barca boss acknowledged the reality of the challenges they face but stressed that it’s not an excuse. The team remains focused on their work as they navigate a competitive La Liga landscape, currently trailing Real Madrid by seven points.