Real Madrid’s recent match against Getafe sparked significant controversy, particularly surrounding the expulsion of player Nyom. This incident occurred during the return of LaLiga after the international break, which took place on a Sunday.
Match Overview
Under the management of Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid made strategic changes to their starting lineup. Vinícius Júnior and Arda Güler were benched, making way for new starters:
- David Alaba
- Jude Bellingham
- Rodrygo Goes
- Eduardo Camavinga
This marked the third time Vinícius started as a substitute under Alonso’s coaching, a decision that raised eyebrows.
Match Details
The Real Madrid squad consisted of: Courtois, Valverde, Militao, Alaba, Carreras, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Mastantuono, Mbappé, and Rodrygo. The team aimed to build on their recent 3-1 victory over Villarreal.
The Controversial Incident
The match reached a turning point in the 77th minute when Nyom was expelled for a foul on Vinícius. The referee, Munuera Montero, made the decision to issue a red card after Nyom interrupted Vinícius’s attacking play shortly after entering the match.
Reactions to the Expulsion
Sports commentators and analysts expressed strong opinions following the decision. Alfredo Relaño described the expulsion as “madness,” criticizing the intervention of the fourth official, who was positioned close to the incident. He also voiced his discontent with the VAR system, calling it “garbage.”
Additionally, Pedro Martín, an officiating expert on the broadcast, deemed the red card as “inadequate.” He suggested that the foul warranted at least a yellow card rather than a more severe punishment.
Additional Analysis
Paco González, director of Tiempo de Juego, noted the clear nature of the foul, indicating that it should have resulted in a card due to the lack of contact with the ball. He remarked that it seemed more a case of a yellow card for a tactical foul than a blatant infraction deserving of a red card.
This incident highlights ongoing discussions about officiating standards and VAR’s effectiveness in LaLiga, stirring debate among fans and experts alike.
