Sports Desk:

Carlo Ancelotti questioned the controversial VAR-awarded penalty that disrupted Real Madrid’s rhythm in their 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid, further fueling debates over LaLiga’s refereeing inconsistencies as the title race intensifies between Spain’s top clubs.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti voiced his frustration over the controversial VAR-awarded penalty that helped Atletico Madrid secure a 1-1 draw in their LaLiga derby on February 9. The Italian tactician suggested that the decision disrupted his team’s momentum and was yet another example of refereeing inconsistencies in Spain’s top-flight league.

The heated Madrid derby saw Julian Alvarez give Atletico the lead from the penalty spot before Kylian Mbappe struck back for Los Blancos. However, the biggest talking point emerged in the 33rd minute when Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni clipped Samuel Lino’s foot while attempting to intercept a cross from Javi Gallán. After a prolonged VAR review, the referee awarded the first penalty of the season against Los Blancos—a decision that left Ancelotti and the Madrid dugout visibly frustrated.

Speaking post-match, Ancelotti refrained from directly criticising the officials but hinted at his discontent, referencing a similar penalty call in the LaLiga clash between Athletic Bilbao and Girona earlier in the season.

“I don’t want to talk about the referee. We deserved more, especially in the second half. We were in control, and we got into the game a lot. The penalty affected the team in a slower and less aggressive first half compared to the second… In the second half, Vinicius and Rodrygo played more on the outside and created a lot of dangerous situations. The VAR called the penalty. The referee was very close to the action and saw what happened very well. I saw a similar penalty in Athletic v Girona. People in football don’t understand this,” Ancelotti said.

“I don’t want to get into a controversy. The match was close and competitive, like all derbies. We came away with a draw, but we are encouraged because the team was good in the second-half,” he added.

Despite the setback, Madrid found their equaliser through Kylian Mbappe in the 50th minute. The French forward latched onto a rebound from Jude Bellingham’s initial strike, netting his 16th LaLiga goal of the season in the process.

With the draw, the LaLiga title race tightened further. Real Madrid retained their position at the top with 50 points, but Atletico Madrid are now just a single point behind on 49. FC Barcelona, also in the hunt, remain within striking distance, adding further intrigue to the battle for domestic supremacy.