Real Madrid Outraged as VAR Decision Sparks Controversy in Bilbao Defeat

Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés has sparked intense controversy and criticism, particularly surrounding a pivotal VAR decision early in the match. The focus of the uproar is on VAR referee Figueroa Vázquez, whose call in the 13th minute has been deemed a “blatant error” by the Spanish Referees Committee (CTA). The incident in question involved Rodrygo Goes, who appeared to be fouled in the penalty area by Bilbao defender Gorosabel. Despite clear video evidence showing that the defender made no contact with the ball, Vázquez advised central referee Sánchez Martínez that no foul had occurred, leaving Real Madrid without a crucial penalty opportunity.

The CTA has expressed its fury over the decision, calling it inexplicable given the clarity of the footage. According to reports from Archivo VAR, a platform that specializes in analyzing officiating decisions, the committee is baffled by Vázquez’s judgment and has issued a formal reprimand. “The images provided undeniable proof of the foul, yet the VAR official failed to act appropriately,” Archivo VAR reported. This marks the second warning for Figueroa Vázquez this season, raising serious questions about his future in Spain’s elite officiating ranks.

Real Madrid’s Struggles Deepen

Beyond the refereeing controversy, Real Madrid delivered a subpar performance that contributed to their fifth defeat of the season in La Liga. Despite a glimmer of hope provided by Jude Bellingham’s equalizer, the team failed to capitalize on their chances. Kylian Mbappé, entrusted with a crucial penalty in the second half, failed to convert, marking his second missed penalty in recent weeks. Mbappé’s struggles from the spot have become a recurring issue, adding to the frustrations of both the player and the fans.

To make matters worse, Federico Valverde, one of Real Madrid’s most consistent performers this season, committed a rare and costly error. His misplaced pass led directly to Athletic Bilbao’s winning goal, compounding the team’s woes. After the match, Valverde was quick to take responsibility, apologizing to his teammates and the supporters for his mistake.

Missed Opportunities and Mounting Pressure

The loss has further exposed Real Madrid’s fragility in a season that has been anything but smooth. While the refereeing error has dominated headlines, the team’s inability to create and finish chances remains a glaring issue. The lack of cutting-edge play in attack and repeated defensive lapses have left the squad struggling to find consistency. With five losses already this season, Real Madrid faces mounting pressure to turn things around quickly.

CTA’s Growing Concerns with Figueroa Vázquez

The refereeing controversy at San Mamés is not an isolated incident for Figueroa Vázquez. This season alone, he has been at the center of multiple controversial decisions that have directly impacted match outcomes. The CTA’s latest reprimand follows an earlier warning issued for another high-profile error. As a result, doubts are growing about his competence to handle top-tier matches.

“The committee is losing patience with Figueroa Vázquez,” reported Archivo VAR. “His repeated lapses in judgment are undermining the credibility of officiating in La Liga.” The controversy has also reignited broader debates about the effectiveness of VAR in ensuring fair outcomes, with fans and analysts calling for stricter oversight of refereeing decisions.

What’s Next for Real Madrid?

For Real Madrid, the focus now shifts to their upcoming clash against Girona, where a victory will be imperative to restore confidence and momentum. The team’s poor run of form has raised serious questions about their ability to compete at the highest level this season. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is under pressure to find solutions to the squad’s recurring issues, particularly in attack, where key players like Mbappé have struggled to deliver in critical moments.

Despite the turmoil, the club remains determined to fight back and salvage their season. With Girona in their sights, Real Madrid will need to regroup quickly, both mentally and tactically, to avoid further setbacks. While the refereeing error against Bilbao has drawn attention away from their on-field struggles, the team knows that significant improvements are necessary to keep their title aspirations alive.

As the dust settles on a contentious night at San Mamés, the question remains: will Real Madrid use this moment as a turning point, or will their season continue to unravel? Fans will be hoping for the former as the team looks to bounce back in what has already been a turbulent campaign.