Real Madrid’s Controversial Victory in Copa Del Rey Quarterfinals
Real Madrid’s advancement to the quarterfinals of the Copa Del Rey 2024/2025 has stirred up controversy and sparked outrage on social media. The match took place at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where Real Madrid followed in Barcelona’s footsteps to secure a spot in the next round after a 5-2 victory over Celta Vigo on Friday morning, January 17, 2025.
Controversial Refereeing Decision
The victory was sealed with goals from Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Fede Valverde, and a brace from Endrick. However, the entertainment provided by Celta Vigo forced Real Madrid to play for 120 minutes, with goals from Jonathan Bamba and a penalty from Marcos Alonso.
In a report by Diario AS, the referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero came under fire for allegedly favoring Real Madrid during the game. The controversy arose from a pivotal moment in the 36th minute, just before Kylian Mbappe scored a goal. Celta Vigo’s midfielder, Williot Swedberg, had a clear opportunity to score after dribbling past Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, but was fouled in the penalty box.
Despite the clear foul, the referee chose not to award a penalty after the incident, and did not consult the VAR system. This decision raised questions about the impartiality of the officiating and led to widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Outcry on Social Media
The controversial nature of Real Madrid’s victory quickly spread across social media platforms, with fans expressing their discontent with the referee’s decisions. Many called for a review of the match and raised concerns about the integrity of the competition.
The debate surrounding the match continues to rage on, with calls for accountability and transparency in officiating to ensure fair play in future games. The outcome of this incident remains a point of contention among football enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of upholding fairness and sportsmanship in the world of professional sports.
