Real Madrid slam 'controversial refereeing' in Rayo Vallecano draw | OneFootball

Real Madrid have slammed the 'controversial refereeing' of Juan Martinez Munuera following their 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano on Saturday evening.

The defending La Liga champions lost ground in the title race after failing to secure victory, with Isi Palazon's second-half strike denying them a much-needed win that would have seen them rise above Clasico rivals Barcelona into first.

The injury-stricken Madrid, who were missing Kylian Mbappe against Rayo, had already come from two goals down to take the lead after the break. Efforts from Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and substitute Vinicius Junior turned the game on its head after a disappointing start.

However, Madrid felt they should have been awarded a penalty in the 75th minute of the clash after Abdul Mumin's challenge on Vinicius. A spot kick would have given them the chance to take the lead in the closing stages but they instead had to settle for a point.

Madrid hit out at Martinez Munuera for his lack of action after the full-time whistle, releasing a match report on their official website and social media channels titled: "Controversial refereeing denies Madrid victory".

Vinicius felt he should have had a penalty / Angel Martinez/GettyImages

"In the 75th minute came the most controversial play of the match," claimed the club's report. "Vini Jr. was clearly brought down inside the area by Mumin, but Martinez Munuera did not award a penalty, neither was there any warning from [Pablo] Gonzalez Fuertes, the VAR referee."

Speaking after the match, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti concurred, stating: "Seeing a replay, the penalty looked very clear to me."

To make matters worse, Vinicius was booked for his protestations during the match, which means he will miss Madrid's next La Liga outing.

Los Blancos now wait anxiously for the outcome of Barcelona's battle with Leganes on Sunday evening, with victory for the Catalan giants taking them four points ahead of Madrid having played a game more.

Ancelotti's side now take a break from domestic action as they head to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. They face Mexican side Pachuca in their first match on 18 December.