Real Madrid left fuming as officiating decision culminates in shock defeat at Espanyol | OneFootball

La Liga leaders Real Madrid have been left seething on Saturday evening.

This comes after the officiating in the club’s meeting with Espanyol cost Carlo Ancelotti’s troops dear.

Los Blancos marked their return to domestic action a short time ago, making the trip to the RCDE Stadium for a showdown with lowly Espanyol.

When all was said and done, the reigning Spanish champions found themselves condemned to the wrong side of a 1-0 result.

Safe to say, however, that as much did not come without its controversies along the way.

On the hour mark in proceedings, Espanyol’s Carlos Romero was responsible for nothing short of a horror challenge on Kylian Mbappé.

Ensuing replays showcased the fact that the former had directed his studs into the back of Mbappé’s calf, with the latter having been lucky to escape a serious injury.

Following a VAR review, however, those overseeing the action in Barcelona came to the conclusion that as much was worthy of only a yellow card.

In turn, it marked a hammer blow for Real Madrid when none other than Romero himself popped up with the game’s only goal five minutes from time.

Los Blancos, owing to the defeat, have seen their advantage atop Spain’s top-flight cut to just a solitary point.

Conor Laird – GSFN