Ancelotti fumes at officials after Romero lunge on Mbappe

Carlo Ancelotti slammed the “inexplicable decision” that saw Espanyol’s eventual matchwinner Carlos Romero escape a red card against Real Madrid.

Madrid saw a run of 31 successive LaLiga away matches in which they had scored at least one goal come to an end in a 1-0 reverse to Espanyol on Saturday.

Romero scored late on to secure a memorable win for the relegation-battling hosts, despite Madrid registering 76% possession – their highest figure in an away league game since at least the 2005-06 season.

However, Romero was perhaps lucky to be on the field given he had earlier lunged in from behind on Kylian Mbappe.

“It was an inexplicable decision, from the referee and the VAR,” Ancelotti said.

“Because we have all seen what happened. The most important thing is to watch and protect the player.

“It was a clear foul, a very ugly tackle. The VAR is also there for this. It seems inexplicable to us that no red card was given.”

76% – Real Madrid enjoyed 76% possession against Espanyol, their highest tally in a LaLiga away game since at least the 2005/06 season. Unsuccessful. pic.twitter.com/nycQLMhyzD

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 1, 2025

Madrid’s defeat, combined with Atletico Madrid beating Mallorca, means Los Blancos’ lead at the summit of LaLiga has been cut to just one point.

Next week, the top two face off in the Madrid derby.

“Espanyol played a very good game, defended very well and created good transitions. It was what they had to do,” Ancelotti said.

“We could have done better, but I don’t think the game was as bad as the result says. It was [an] undeserved [defeat], but in football, it can happen.

“We had chances and could have scored, but despite the defeat we are still in the fight. We have to focus on the next game.”