Real Madrid fume at ‘joke’ Camavinga red card against Bayern
MUNICH, Germany — Coach Álvaro Arbeloa said it was “obvious” that Eduardo Camavinga’s red card was crucial in Real Madrid’s Champions League quarterfinal elimination by Bayern Munich on Wednesday, while midfielder Jude Bellingham called the decision a “joke.”
Madrid led 3-2 at the Allianz Arena – with the score tied at 4-4 and extra time – when substitute Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute after receiving a second yellow card from referee Slavko Vinčić.
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Luis Díaz put Bayern ahead on aggregate three minutes later, and Michael Olise scored on the final kick of the match to put the home team ahead 6–4 on aggregate.
Arda Güler, who had already scored twice, was sent off at the final whistle for protesting to the officials.
“I think so, it’s obvious [that the red card decided the game]”, Arbeloa told Movistar. “You can’t send a player off for something like that. I think the referee didn’t even know [Camavinga] already had a yellow card. »
Bellingham said Camavinga’s red card was “a joke” as he crossed the mixed zone, adding: “Two fouls [by Camavinga]two yellow cards.”
Defender Antonio Rüdiger also made his feelings clear.
“It’s better not to speak. …You saw him, didn’t you?” he said.
Güler had given Madrid the lead after just 35 seconds and then scored a free-kick, while Kylian Mbappé also scored before half-time in a wild opening 45 minutes.
“It was a great performance from the players,” Arbeloa said. “I feel sorry for them, for the fans here and for those watching us at home. It hurts me that Real Madrid didn’t win the round of 16. [European Cup] This year. They gave everything.”
In his post-match press conference, Arbeloa was faced with a series of questions about his own future, with Madrid out of the Champions League and nine points behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
“I will accept the consequences of a defeat like this,” said Arbeloa, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January. “Since I sat in this chair, I have always tried to help the club, in any way possible.
“I didn’t want to show my level as a coach, but rather help the players on the pitch. We faced a lot of teams, [Vincent] Kompany’s Bayern, that of Pep Guardiola [Manchester] City, [Diego] Simeone’s Atlético. I don’t know how much this team has of me. Of course, this is much less than the examples I gave.
“I tried to help the club, and it will be like this until the last day… I completely understand any decision the club might take.”
Madrid next face Alavés, Real Betis and Espanyol in La Liga before a Clasico with Barcelona at the Camp Nou on May 10.
