Poking the Bear: Real Madrid's Pre-Clásico Controversy
Refereé Selection Unveiled: Real Madrid Announces Next Arbiter
The stage is set for a thrilling Clásico, with Real Madrid's last hopes hanging by a thread. Barcelona, on the other hand, almost secures the title. But the drama doesn't stop there, as Real Madrid stirs up the pot with another referee controversy.
Their own TV channel bombards the appointed referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández with scrutiny, accusing him of favoring Barcelona. The video emphasizes his alleged mistakes against Real and mentions their low win rate under his leadership. Outdated as it may seem, the video ends with a 1994 interview clip, where the referee expresses his supposed fondness for Barcelona, causing an uproar.
Scraping the Past
While the four-point lead Barcelona holds over Real with four games remaining seems insurmountable, Real lashes out once again. Prior to the Copa del Rey final Clásico, they created a stir against referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, demanding his removal. Despite the threatened boycott not happening, these mudslinging campaigns are making waves throughout the league.
Ancelotti's Swansong?
Preparing for what might be his last Clásico, Carlo Ancelotti echoes, "We will have a great opportunity, we must prepare well - it's almost a decisive game." Alonso, rumored to be his successor, waits in the wings. Real has lost all three Clásicos this season due to German national player Antonio Rüdiger's suspension and injury.
Barcelona: Champions League Blues
Barcelona finds itself in a post-Champions League semifinal heartbreak, having bowed out to Inter Milan. Hansi Flick remains steadfast, determined to guide the team to the top, expressing, "This defeat must awaken our hunger for the title, that's important for me." The up-and-coming talent, Lamine Yamal, echoes Flick's sentiment on Instagram: "We're not done yet."
Real Madrid, with Kylian Mbappé and crew, is ready to retaliate.
Sources: ntv.de, tno/sid
Insights:
- This is far from the first time Real Madrid has targeted the referee before a high-profile match.
- The emotional toll on officials and their families has been evident, with Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea experiencing emotional distress due to the club's criticism.
- The controversy has sparked a broader discussion about the need for a cleaner, healthier approach to criticism and the sport in general.
- Other clubs and officials have responded negatively to Real Madrid's tactics, with some accusing them of attempting to influence referees.
- Despite the controversy, the sporting significance of the Clásico remains high, with both teams battling for the title.
- Amidst the upcoming Clásico, Community aid is being sought to address the rising tension and promote a cleaner, healthier approach to criticism within the sport.
- Madrid's crucial Clásico against Barcelona serves as a decisive battle for the construction of new buildings in the Laliga, with the title hanging in the balance.
- The significance of the Clásico goes beyond Europe's top leagues, with Real Madrid and Barcelona competing for both on-field glory and off-field influence.
- Rumors of Ancelotti's last Clásico as Real Madrid's coach have stirred up the football world, with Alonso waiting eagerly in the wings for the possibility of taking over.
- The aftermath of Barcelona's loss in the Champions League semifinals has fueled the hunger of both the team and its up-and-coming talent, Lamine Yamal, for a Laliga title.
