Real Madrid Secures 3-0 Victory Over Racing Santander Amid Controversy

Real Madrid increased the pressure on Barcelona at the top of the league table with a commanding 3-0 victory over Racing Santander. However, the match was marked by controversy, especially regarding referee and VAR decisions, which left Racing fans feeling disadvantaged.

Post-match, Jose Mourinho addressed the media, criticizing those who have doubted his team’s performance and discussing various contentious incidents during the game.

Mourinho Discusses Refereeing Controversy

Mourinho elaborated on the Aurelien Tchouameni incident and commented on the refereeing overall. “My opinion is that they protest everything. It’s a stadium I really like, and I really like the fans. They have this character, this way of playing the game,” he noted, as reported by Diario AS.

He continued, “They don’t just come to the movies. They don’t just come to watch a show. They come to play, to participate, to create a very difficult atmosphere for the opposition.”

Mourinho challenged the critics who questioned the decision-making surrounding the Tchouameni incident. “But then there’s also the fact that they play with heart, and there are a lot of people who don’t know the rules,” he remarked, highlighting the confusion that often arises from changing regulations in football.

He explicitly stated, “People don’t know that it’s never a penalty for Tchouameni because of the rebound, because the ball comes off his… body. It’s never a penalty.”

Mourinho expressed relief when the referee initially awarded a penalty but later doubted the decision upon reviewing the play on an iPad. “If VAR isn’t asleep, it’s not a penalty,” he asserted.

He praised the referee’s overall performance, stating that he managed the game well despite its competitive nature.

Mourinho Pleased with Team Performance

Despite the controversy, Mourinho acknowledged the challenge presented by Racing Santander and asserted that he never took the match for granted. “El Sardinero is a very strong team, very combative. Even when losing 0-3, there was danger,” he explained.

He praised his side’s resilient display, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus throughout. “If they score one, they’ll come alive. I never considered the game over,” he added.

Mourinho expressed satisfaction with the progress of the team, particularly highlighting defensive contributions from attackers like Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande. He remarked, “The team is growing, playing well… We’re improving.”

When asked about forming a winning strategy, he pointed to the growing bond within the squad. “We’re not at 100% yet, but we are improving. Less than four months is a short time, but we’re progressing gradually,” he mentioned.

Strategic Substitutions in Focus

Notably, Mourinho opted for only three substitutions during the match against Racing Santander and explained this choice in detail. “I’ve seen it all in football. The game is over when the referee blows the final whistle,” he stated, indicating that he prefers to keep players on the field who won’t play in the next match.

He also addressed ongoing discussions about La Liga’s scheduling, indicating that the demanding schedule impacts teams’ performances in European competitions.

Mourinho concluded by emphasizing the psychological aspects of the game. He noted the uplift in confidence within the squad and highlighted Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent inclusion, stating, “When things go well, it seems to go well for everyone.”