Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi Hernández, has openly expressed his discomfort with the growing pressure on referees following the contentious VAR decisions in Real Madrid’s recent match against Almería. The game, which saw Madrid overturn a 2-0 deficit to secure a 3-2 victory, was marked by critical VAR interventions that have since ignited intense debate across Spain’s football landscape.

In the aftermath of the match, Almería voiced strong accusations of being “robbed” at Santiago Bernabéu, a sentiment that has only fuelled the ongoing scrutiny of refereeing standards in LaLiga. Follow your favourite La Liga team with attractive La Liga odds from Nextbet. 

Particularly under the microscope is Madrid’s practice of broadcasting videos that highlight controversial refereeing decisions before each match, a tactic that many argue places undue pressure on match officials.

During a press conference leading up to Barcelona’s Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Athletic Bilbao, Xavi articulated his belief in the integrity of referees but lamented the current atmosphere they operate in. “I believe in the honesty of the referees, but I don’t like the pressure they are under,” he stated, urging the focus to be directed towards the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and Luis Medina Cantalejo, the head of refereeing, for insights into how such broadcasts might influence official decisions.

The controversy was further inflamed by Madrid’s recovery in their match against Almería, where a penalty was awarded for handball, an Almería goal was disallowed, and Vinícius Júnior’s equaliser, seemingly converted with his upper arm, was allowed to stand. Each decision, heavily scrutinized and debated, came after the referee consulted the pitch-side monitor.

While Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, defended the decisions, Almería’s frustrations were palpable, particularly concerning the circumstances leading to Madrid’s penalty and Vinícius’s goal. Xavi, reflecting on these events after Barcelona’s own victory over Real Betis, hinted at a broader unease, suggesting a skewed playing field that may hinder Barcelona’s quest for the LaLiga title. “It will cost us a lot to win this league,” he remarked, echoing the sentiments of a concerned and vigilant football community.

Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, didn’t mince words when addressing the issue, labeling the refereeing at the Bernabéu as a “disgrace” and calling for a response to the evident pressure on referees. The club’s stance, firm and critical, underscores a season fraught with tension and uncertainty, both on and off the field.

Despite the controversies, Barcelona remains a formidable force in LaLiga, trailing leaders Girona by eight points and Madrid by seven. With 18 games still to play, Xavi remains optimistic about his team’s prospects, drawing parallels to the previous season where the title race remained open despite significant point differences.

As Barcelona gears up for their next league match against Villarreal and a pivotal Copa del Rey clash with Athletic Bilbao, Xavi’s focus is clear. With key players recovering from injury and a trophy within grasp, the team’s determination is unwavering. Yet, as the VAR debates rage on, the quest for fairness and integrity in Spanish football continues to be a contentious and defining theme of the season. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sports.