Champions League exit
Leipzig’s room about the referee: “A bit grim”
David Raum gave the cross for Orban, who equalized with a Hecht header. photo
© Jan Woitas/dpa
Leipzig plays well in Madrid, but doesn’t use the chances efficiently enough. Afterwards, like after the first leg, there will be a referee debate.
After RB Leipzig’s knockout in the Champions League at Real Madrid, the refereeing performance once again caused discussion. Especially the scene in the 54th minute when Vinicius Junior Leipzig’s captain and defense chief Willi Orban first fouled and then sent him to the ground with violence on the halfway line, which agitated people.
“I say quite openly and honestly: If one of our players attacks the opponent like that, he’ll be thrown off the pitch one hundred percent,” said national player Benjamin Henrichs after the 1-1 draw and added: “And then of course it’s bitter that Vinicius scores the goal even though he’s not actually allowed to be on the pitch anymore.”
Ancelotti defends Vinicius Junior
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti defended his star, who had taken the flattering lead in the 65th minute: “He pushed too hard. I didn’t see a red card.” Leipzig’s David Raum had a different perception of Italian referee Davide Massa. “I wouldn’t say strange, but the way he talked to me and my teammates was a bit grim. He’s certainly a good referee, but we’re also nice and cool guys. He can be normal “We talk to us. The Madrid players were addressed a little more politely,” said the defender, who gave the cross for Orban in the 68th minute, who equalized with a Hecht header.
After the goal was stolen in the first leg, when a header from Benjamin Sesko was not given in the opening phase and the video assistant did not intervene, this was the second controversial action by the referees. “First and foremost, it’s a shame that we have to talk about referee performance in the Champions League. It has to be clear that top people are being sent there. He’s certainly a top referee, but he made a few wrong decisions,” said Space.
The feedback from opponents Antonio Rüdiger and Jude Bellingham strengthened him. “All in all, Madrid know that we played a really good game, I think they’re breathing hard in the dressing room and are happy that they’ve progressed.”