Xavi accused Real of influencing the referee 2
On October 24, Xavi attended a press conference before the match against Shakhtar Donetsk in round three of Group H of the Champions League at Montjuic – Barca’s home field this season when Camp Nou was renovated.
First, Real’s media channel posted a more than three-minute video summarizing decisions that were detrimental to the royal team from Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea – the referee who held the whistle in Real’s match against Sevilla in round 10 of La Liga.
Dani Carvajal (right) with Alaba and goalkeeper Kepa react because referee Bengoetxea refused to recognize Bellingham’s goal at the beginning of Real’s draw with Sevilla at Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on October 21.
`My opinion has not changed,` Xavi replied.
At Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on October 21, referee Bengoetxea and the VAR team rejected two controversial goals, causing Real to be held 1-1 by Sevilla.
A few minutes later, Real counterattacked and Bellingham poked Rodrygo into the penalty area.
Xavi – who received a red card in the 0-0 draw at Getafe for reacting to the referee, agreed with Ancelotti, and said that coaches also need to review how to react and communicate with the referee.
When asked if this referee issue would heat up Real before this weekend’s El Clasico match, the 43-year-old coach replied: `No, but I think they just feel harmed. I will not think any more about the issue.`
Xavi observed Barca players practicing in Catalonia on October 23, preparing for today’s match against Shakhtar in the Champions League.
Barca started the Champions League perfectly, winning 5-0 against Antwerp and 1-0 against Porto.
Xavi is determined to break the ranks when Barca stopped from the Champions League group stage in the last two seasons.
