New Delhi: Carlo Ancelotti has labelled the decision to not send Espanyol’s Carlos Romero, who scored the only goal of the match during his side’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid, as “inexplicable” after the Spanish international had apologised for his challenge on Kylian Mbappe. Romero had been shown a yellow card for his foul on Mbappe in the 61st minute by referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz.
The Madrid forward had been tackled by Romero from behind while breaking away on the counterattack. In the 85th minute, the 23-year-old scored the winner, which leaves just one point difference with Atletico Madrid from the top.
Ancelotti later in a post-match press conference said that the decision by VAR and referee was baffling. The Real Madrid boss said that the primary reason for rules to exist was for player safety and the challenge deserved a red card. Ancelotti felt that the foul was “ugly” and it was a relief that an injury hadn’t happened.
Carlos Romero apologised to Kylian Mbappe
🗣️ Carlos Romero: “I knew it was impossible to stop Mbappe running. I stopped him as best I could, it was a bit ugly, I didn’t like it and then I apologised to him.” pic.twitter.com/gHd7Od45pX
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) February 1, 2025
Romero after the game said that he had apologised to Mbappe pointing out that knowing Mbappe was “unstoppable” during a run, he had to do anything in his power to stop the French international. Manolo Gonzalez, Espanyol coach noted that Romero had no intention of injuring Mbappe.
Madrid had earlier a goal disallowed from Vinicius Junior after Mbappe was judged to be fouling. Ancelotti admitted that it was a tough game and there were some things that his side did correct. The Italian manager noted that they were in control during the second half and there were 20 shots on goal. Ancelotti also praised Espanyol for playing well during the transition, having a brilliant defence and for their scoring which Madrid hadn’t expected.
Real Madrid will play Leganes in the quarter-final before next weekend’s fixture with Atletico Madrid. They have managed to stay in the UEFA Champions League and are not going to play against Manchester City in the legged-playoff for the knockout stage of the tournament
Carlo Ancelotti felt that foul on French forward Kylian Mbappe should have seen Espanyol’s Carlos Romero get a red card as Real Madrid lost 1-0 in the game. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
