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Real Madrid recently suffered a defeat against Barcelona, and as expected, they wasted no time in finding excuses for their loss. From questionable officiating to VAR decisions, Real Madrid's complaints have been flowing in. But let's break down these complaints and explore whether they hold any merit.

The Gabby-Sir Bios Challenge: Was There Really No Attempt to Get the Ball?

One of the incidents that Real Madrid was unhappy about was a challenge from Gabby on Sir Bios. Madrid believed that Gabby should have received a red card for his tackle. However, let's set the record straight here. The challenge was nowhere near an attempt to get the ball – in fact, the ball was about 50 meters away! It was a feeble attempt, at best, and Gabby, who is much smaller than Robert Lewandowski, seemed to be playing the tough guy on behalf of his teammate. While it was indeed unnecessary and deserving of a yellow card, it may not have crossed the threshold for a red card offense, which is why VAR did not intervene.

The Offside Goal: Chalked Off Correctly?

Another incident that ruffled Real Madrid's feathers was a late goal that was ruled offside. This goal, scored brilliantly by Essencia as a second-half substitute, was initially deemed offside by the naked eye and later confirmed by VAR. However, once again, Real Madrid has blown this situation out of proportion. While the significance of the decision cannot be denied, it is not by any means a controversial call. It is just an instance where VAR and the offside rule came into play. Angelotti, Real Madrid's coach, expressed concerns about the role of VAR in general, but in this particular case, it seemed like a non-issue blown out of proportion.

The Blame Game: Who is Responsible for Real Madrid's Title Defense?

Now that Real Madrid is trailing behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race, the blame game begins. If we look at it from a blame-centered perspective, the finger naturally points at the coach, Angelotti. Real Madrid's culture dictates that a manager who fails to bring in silverware is often replaced. However, Angelotti is not one to buckle under pressure. He confidently says that unwritten rules can change, and he believes that his team will still win something.

Analyzing the situation objectively, there are a few areas that expose Real Madrid's weaknesses. First, there are concerns about the fitness of Karen Benzema, their star striker. Benzema has been plagued by various minor injuries this season, leading to his absence from several games. Real Madrid's lack of a strong backup for him becomes evident in these moments. Additionally, questions arise about the transition in midfield and whether the team needs more energy in that area. Despite this, players like Modric continue to shine in crucial games.

Moreover, Real Madrid's heavy reliance on the left side of the pitch is clear. While they have an attacking threat in that area, there seems to be a lack of focus on the right side. This imbalance further emphasizes the importance of Benzema and his ability to create chances for the team.

The Larger Picture and Over-Reactions

When evaluating Real Madrid's complaints and excuses, it is essential to consider the larger context. While the significance of the rivalry with Barcelona plays a role in the intensity of these debates, it's important not to overreact or blow incidents out of proportion. Real Madrid's claims often garner attention because of their history and stature in the football world. However, it is equally vital to maintain objectivity and critically analyze the circumstances before jumping to conclusions.

In conclusion, Real Madrid's complaints and excuses after their loss to Barcelona should be examined more critically. While there may be some valid concerns about officiating and VAR, it is crucial not to overreact or magnify incidents that do not warrant excessive attention. Real Madrid's strengths and weaknesses lie in various areas, and it is important to address these in a measured and analytical manner rather than resorting to blame and exaggerated reactions. After all, football is a game of ups and downs, and it is how a team responds and learns from their defeats that truly matters.