Ancelotti Blames Referee for Real Madrid’s Shock Defeat to Espanyol

 Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has criticized referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz and VAR for controversial decisions in their 1-0 defeat to Espanyol, which marked Madrid’s first La Liga loss of 2025.

Ancelotti expressed frustration over the referee’s failure to send off Espanyol’s Carlos Romero, who scored the match-winning goal despite making a dangerous tackle on Kylian Mbappe earlier in the game.

Carlo Ancelotti speaking at the post-match press conference yesterday

“The decision is inexplicable. The tackle was reckless, and VAR should have intervened,” Ancelotti told reporters.

The defeat narrows Madrid’s lead at the top of La Liga to just one point, with city rivals Atletico Madrid closing in after their 2-0 victory over Mallorca.

Adding to Madrid’s woes, defender Antonio Rudiger suffered a muscle injury in the first half, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming Madrid derby against Atletico.

Antonio Rudiger walking off the pitch after picking up an injury

Despite the setback, Ancelotti remains optimistic, stating, “We had chances, but we must move forward and focus on our next game.”