Real Madrid express frustration over Camavinga’s ‘absurd’ red card against Bayern
MUNICH, Germany — Coach Álvaro Arbeloa stated it was “clear” that Eduardo Camavinga’s red card played a significant role in Real Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League quarterfinals by Bayern Munich on Wednesday, while midfielder Jude Bellingham referred to the decision as “a joke.”
Madrid was ahead 3-2 at the Allianz Arena — with the aggregate score tied at 4-4 and approaching extra time — when substitute Camavinga received a second yellow card from referee Slavko Vincic in the 86th minute.
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Luis Díaz gave Bayern the aggregate lead three minutes later, and Michael Olise scored with the final kick of the match, securing a 6-4 aggregate victory for the home team.
Arda Güler — who had previously scored twice — was shown a red card at the final whistle for arguing with the officials.
“I believe so, it’s clear [that the red card influenced the outcome],” Arbeloa told Movistar. “You can’t dismiss a player for something like that. I think the referee wasn’t even aware that [Camavinga] had already received a yellow card.”
Bellingham remarked that Camavinga’s red card was “a joke” as he walked through the mixed zone, adding: “Two fouls [by Camavinga], two yellow cards.”
Defender Antonio Rüdiger also expressed his views.
“It’s better not to comment … You saw it, right?” he stated.
Güler had given Madrid the lead early in the match after just 35 seconds and later scored from a free kick, while Kylian Mbappé also found the net before halftime in a chaotic first 45 minutes.
“It was an excellent performance from the players,” Arbeloa said. “I feel sorry for them, for the fans here, and those watching from home. It pains me that Real Madrid won’t secure the 16th [European Cup] this year. They gave everything.”
In his post-match press conference, Arbeloa faced numerous inquiries regarding his own future, with Madrid eliminated from the Champions League and trailing leaders Barcelona by nine points in LaLiga.
“I will accept the repercussions of a defeat like this,” Arbeloa — who succeeded Xabi Alonso in January — said. “Since I took this position, I’ve aimed to assist the club in any way possible.
“I haven’t sought to demonstrate my capabilities as a coach, but rather to support the players on the field. We’ve encountered many teams, [Vincent] Kompany’s Bayern, Pep Guardiola’s [Manchester] City, [Diego] Simeone’s Atlético. I don’t know how much of me this team possesses. For sure it’s significantly less than the examples I’ve provided.
“I’ve endeavored to assist the club, and that will continue until the final day… I fully understand any decision the club may make.”
Madrid’s upcoming matches include Alavés, Real Betis, and Espanyol in LaLiga, followed by a Clásico clash with Barcelona at Camp Nou on May 10.
