Alonso unhappy with red card decision after Real Sociedad 1-2 Real Madrid – ‘I wasn’t convinced’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid survived some controversial refereeing to secure a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad away at the Reale Arena today.

Kylian Mbappe put the Merengues ahead early on after an Arda Guler goal was disallowed.

Just after the half-hour mark, controversy ensued as Dean Huijsen was sent off for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal. The referee deemed it a last-man challenge even though the Sociedad player was 40 yards away from goal and Eder Militao was in a position to cover him.

Despite the setback, Real Madrid doubled their lead at the stroke of half-time through Guler, after some fine work from Mbappe.

The hosts struck back early in the second period from the penalty spot and had a few chances to equalise, but Real Madrid ultimately held on for the win, making it four in four this season.

Xabi Alonso not convinced by referee decision

Speaking to the media after the win, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who had already lashed out at the referee during the game, gave his opinion on Huijsen’s red card.

“For me, it was a yellow card; Mili was close and the ball wasn’t under control. Watching the replay, I don’t change my mind. I asked, he gave me his explanation, and I wasn’t convinced. And I’ll leave it at that,” he said.

Continuing, the Real Madrid boss added: “The context of the game changed, and we played with 10 men for 60 minutes. We had chances and scored the second, to give ourselves a margin.

“The team knew how to sacrifice, they were generous in their effort. Winning at Anoeta is always very difficult, and today, if anything, it was even more difficult.”

When asked about what he thought of the VAR not intervening in that moment, Alonso said: “When there are obvious errors, I like VAR intervention; when there aren’t, I understand it shouldn’t be involved. I don’t want to make a big deal out of the referee. It’s time to move on.”

On being further probed about how the decision could have completely altered the complexion of the game, the Basque manager noted:

“It’s been a big factor. We could have scored the goal, but in the second half we had to hold on more. Then, with the penalty, there’s no doubt about it, obviously. It’s a big factor.

“You have to know how to play with 10 men. It’ll be a good time this year. At one point in the second half, we were too weak, and that’s very positive news.”

Huijsen was sent off against Sociedad. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Talking about how Huijsen was dealing with the situation, he added: “He was relieved. Obviously angry, but relieved to have won.

“These were avoidable actions; there were too many yards and Oyarzabal didn’t have control of the ball. The gesture could have been improved.”

Alonso was forced to dig deep into his reserves today, as he used some fringe players like Raul Asencio, David Alaba, and Fran Garcia.

“Everyone has contributed and everyone is ready. We’re going to need everyone. We’re starting in periods with a lot of games. Making everyone feel important is essential,” he said.

On his chat with referee Gil Manzano after the game, the Real Madrid boss remarked: “He gave me his interpretation of the expulsion. I wasn’t entirely convinced. I also spoke last week about Arda. With respect, I’ll see if his explanations convince me.”

With Antonio Rudiger ruled out with injury and Huijsen now facing suspension, Real Madrid will be light on numbers in the centre-back department. But Alonso insisted that he will turn to the academy if needed.

“I look at the youth team a lot, I talk a lot with Alvaro [Arbeloa], but we also have players who can play in that position. Alaba, Asencio, Tchouameni, even Carreras… Yesterday I said they’d all returned well, I wish I hadn’t said that,” he said.

Regarding Real Madrid’s start to the season – four wins in four games – Alonso noted: “We keep looking forward. We’re happy, but we can’t take anything for granted. There’s room for improvement. We have to keep building.

“The results are good, but today, the appreciation of playing with one less player for so long, that people have been generous in their sacrifice, is great.”

Concluding, the Real Madrid boss had words of encouragement for his opposite number Sergio Francisco, as he said:

“I’ve watched all of Real Sociedad’s matches, and they should have more points. I’m sure the team will go up. There are great players, and Sergio (Francisco) is also at a great level. He has a great hand to take them up the ladder.”

Source: AS