Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his preference for Champions League referees, citing “less controversy and fewer VAR interventions” as his team prepares for their crucial Champions League second leg against Manchester City on February 19th. This comes amidst a heated debate over LaLiga officiating, with Real Madrid lodging formal complaints about recent decisions.
“I think there’s less controversy, and fewer VAR interventions,” Ancelotti stated in a pre-match press conference. “The VAR only intervenes when it’s necessary. In the Champions League, the best referees in each country officiate, so the quality is very high.”
Real Madrid has been particularly aggrieved by calls in their last three LaLiga matches, including a loss to Espanyol, a draw with Atlético Madrid, and a draw against Osasuna, where Jude Bellingham received a red card. The club even met with Spanish refereeing bosses to review audio recordings of a controversial decision against Espanyol.
“I’ve given my opinion about what’s happening,” Ancelotti commented. “What’s happening is surprising, but I have nothing to add. Obviously, we aren’t happy with what happened against Osasuna, Atlético… They were three games where we were hurt by decisions which I still don’t understand.”
Despite the domestic frustrations, Ancelotti remains focused on the Champions League clash against Manchester City, where his team holds a slight advantage after a 3-2 victory in the first leg. He confirmed that Antonio Rüdiger will be available for the game, while Lucas Vázquez is still not ready to start. Ancelotti also dismissed Pep Guardiola’s claim that City only has a “1%” chance of progressing. “Tomorrow before the game, I’ll ask him if he really thinks that they have a 1% chance!” he joked. “We don’t think we have a 99% chance. We think we have a small advantage that we have to make the most of.”
Fede Valverde, who played out of position at right-back in the first leg, echoed Ancelotti’s confidence. “I’m happy with the game we played in the first leg,” he said. “I see how the team is playing, how we’ve been training. That makes you feel calm. You know the team will do well. It gives me confidence that we’ll go through.” Valverde later clarified comments he made defending referees, stating on social media, “I don’t want anyone to misunderstand me, but above all I want to clarify for our fans: If today I don’t talk about the refereeing we are suffering it is because I am aware myself, and I must focus on tomorrow.”
