Real's Crisis Deepens. Arbeloa Rages at Referees After Another Setback: “That’s a Penalty Even on the Moon!”

“Los Blancos” dominated the first half but couldn't break the deadlock, despite chances from Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde inside the box. However, Valverde put Real ahead with a long-range strike in the 51st minute. The visitors managed to equalize just over ten minutes later when Thomas Lemar unleashed a powerful shot.

“After their goal, they put us under immense pressure. Lemar’s brilliant moment secured us a valuable point,” Girona coach Michel Sanchez stated after the match.

However, the points might not have been shared in the Spanish capital, as the head referee did not deem Vitor Reis's late challenge on Mbappe in the penalty area to be a foul. The home team's manager disagreed with this decision. “That’s a penalty here and on the moon. Nobody understands it. VAR gets involved when it suits them, and when it doesn't, VAR stays silent,” Arbeloa was quoted by AFP after the match.

Even Jude Bellingham's return to the starting lineup couldn't secure Real the three points. “We saw he felt good. This start helped him a lot. He got minutes, found his rhythm, we are satisfied with his performance,” Arbeloa commented after the game. The Englishman could have added his name to the scoresheet, but his attempt early in the second half was saved by Paulo Gazzaniga.

While Madrid narrowed the gap to league leaders Barcelona to six points, the Catalans still have their 31st-round match in the city derby against Espanyol to play. Should they win, the defending champions would extend their lead over “Los Merengues” to nine points.

“Without playing our best, this was a game we should have won. But until we lose La Liga, we will fight for it. We have to fight until the very last day,” the 43-year-old home coach urged after the match.

The focus of the “White Ballet” now shifts to the Champions League return leg at Bayern. Arbeloa's men face a tough test, needing to overturn a 1-2 deficit from the first leg. “I want my players to believe. We have to go to Germany with the determination to win and leave everything out there. I am sure we will fight for qualification,” Arbeloa said, not giving up on their chances of advancing.