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C. Ronaldo blames referee for loss

Published

10 years ago

March 24, 2014

Two-time World Player of the Year Cristiano
Ronaldo slammed referee Alberto Undiano
Mallenco after Real Madrid were beaten for the
first time in 32 games 4-3 by Barcelona on
Sunday.
Mallenco awarded three penalties on the night with Ronaldo scoring
the first one for Madrid to put them 3-2 up 10 minutes after halftime.
However, Sergio Ramos was then sent-off for denying a clear
goalscoring opportunity for a foul on Neymar inside the area before
Xabi Alonso was adjudged to have tripped Andres Iniesta seven
minutes from time.
Lionel Messi converted both spot-kicks to complete a hat-trick after
cancelling out Karim Benzema’s double at the end of the first-half to
become the all-time leading scorer in games between the two sides.
“There were a lot of mistakes for just one game. A match between
Real and Barca ought to have a high level of referee,” said Ronaldo.
“You can’t make correct decisions when you are nervous. It makes me
think that it is not just on the field that you win games, a little help
from outside helps too.
“My penalty might have been just outside the area, but there are many
things that went on. It is difficult when many people didn’t want us to
win today.”
Ronaldo’s coach Carlo Ancelotti was more level-headed about
Mallenco’s decisions, but did agree that Ramos’ red card swung the
game in Barca’s favour.
“I haven’t seen it again and it is difficult for me to comment on the
decisions of the referee because there were many.
“However, it was the key moment. We were winning 3-2 and
controlling the game well, but it is much more difficult to control the
game with a player less.”
Defeat leaves Madrid still joint top of the table on 70 points alongside
Atletico Madrid, but in second place due to their inferior head-to-
head against their local rivals with Barca a point further back in
third.
And Ancelotti is seeking a immediate response from his side with a
difficult looking away game against in-form Sevilla to come on
Wednesday.
“Obviously we are not happy because we have lost a big opportunity,
but we will continue fighting until the end.
“There are nine games left and it will be an intense race. The league
is open for all three teams and any game could be decisive.
“We need a good reaction on Wednesday because that could be the
key game of the season.”
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