Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo blamed referee Undiano Mallenco for his team’s 4-3 loss at home to La Liga rival Barcelona, saying that referees alwaysfavor Barca when the two teams play. The Catalan giant was awarded two penalties to Real’s one in the second half, as Sergio Ramos saw red after bringing downNeymar for the first spot kick.
“We played against 12,” Ronaldo said. “It’s always the same. They don’t allow us. Maybe they wanted Barca back in theleague. I don’t want to leave this inside of me and I’m not looking for excuses, but the ref is not at the required level for a game like this.” He continued: “If Barca lost todaythey would have been out. After five years here, I understand how things work. [The media] has been here for many years more than me. I have never seen Real Madrid favored by the referees. I’m surethat no matter all this, we will win the League.”
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, who scored three goals on the night including two from the spot to become the all-timeleading scorer in clasico history, hailed his team’s resilience to come from behind and restore its position in the La Liga title race. “This team always rises to the big occasions,”the Argentina international said. “We have to keep going. The league is very tough and we haven’t got many games left. We can’t afford to fail. It’s an important win.We’re back in the race again and we have to keep going. We can’t make any more mistakes.”
Barcelona is still in third in La Liga, but now just a single point behindAtletico Madrid and Real, in first and second, respectively.