Real Madrid players and their coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, have strongly criticized the referee’s decision, which they feel altered, if not ruined, the course of the match. In his press conference, Arbeloa congratulated Bayern on their 4-3 victory (6-4 on aggregate), but stated, “We would have liked them to beat us in a different way. All the work and effort was nullified by a decision like the one the referee made.”
“Nobody understands why a player is sent off for an action like that,” Arbeloa declared, describing the players as deeply hurt and feeling a sense of “injustice and anger.” This sentiment was echoed by other players, as well as numerous journalists in Spain and abroad. “I think the referee showed him the card because he didn’t realize he already had a yellow. It wasn’t even a yellow card offense.”
The referee sent off Eduardo Camavinga in the 86th minute for a second yellow card, at a time when Madrid was leading the match and the aggregate score was tied. His first yellow was for pulling Musiala’s shirt, but the second was for handling the ball, seemingly to waste a few seconds. The players believe the punishment – a second yellow and an expulsion – was disproportionate. Minutes later, Luis Díaz and Olise scored two goals.
After the match concluded, Real Madrid players approached the referee to demand an explanation. Arda Guler, who scored twice in the game, was also seen being admonished. Cameras captured Dani Carvajal from behind the touchline, shouting, “This is your fault!”
“Referees, many times… I don’t know, either they haven’t played football, or they don’t understand better how to manage these kinds of situations,” lamented Arbeloa, reflecting on how their comeback attempt ended in the most cruel way possible.