Fans label El Clasico a major ‘robbery attempt’ even as Barcelona secure a memorable victory | OneFootball

Barcelona are now one step closer to securing the league title thanks to a 4-3 win over Real Madrid at Montjuic.

After conceding two early goals, Barcelona produced a comeback for the ages by ending the first half with a 4-2 scoreline.

Real Madrid did try to force their way back in the second half, with Kylian Mbappe notably scoring a hat-trick. But despite significant institutional support, Los Blancos were unable to secure a point.

Fans point to blatant robbery attempt from Real Madrid

Although Barcelona have indeed secured three points, fans are fuming over what they call a blatant refereeing robbery attempt.

The controversy began with Kylian Mbappe’s penalty, giving Real Madrid a 1-0 lead, despite appearing to originate from an offside position not reviewed by VAR.

Before Madrid’s second goal, a clear foul on Lamine Yamal went uncalled, allowing the visitors to extend their advantage.

There needs to be serious questions raised against the referees during the Barcelona-Real Madrid clash (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

A potential penalty on Raphinha was dismissed as well, which further infuriated fans. But that wasn’t all, Aurelien Tchouameni, the last defender, escaped a red card after bringing down Ferran Torres.

Another handball by Tchouameni in the box went unpunished as well, while Fermin Lopez’s potential goal was controversially disallowed for a handball following a rebound, despite the ball ricocheting unintentionally.

These events might seem isolated, but they aren’t. In a game where Barcelona could have gotten themselves a healthy lead over Real Madrid, referees made sure the game went until the very end.

Barcelona fans, therefore, have every right to pose questions over refereeing, especially with regard to how VAR remained silent in key moments.

If this match is a preview of the kind of protection Real Madrid might receive, then La Liga’s credibility could be heading into dangerous territory.