Real Madrid using VAR as distraction for latest setback

Real Madrid have gone all out in their criticism of the virtual assistant referee (VAR) after it was not used in a non-call of Vinicius Jr.’s penalty. But it is merely an excuse to cover up another poor display.

Real Madrid are definitely not taking their 2-0 loss to Real Sociedad in stride. The club have heavily criticized the use, or lack thereof, of VAR after a potential penalty call on Vinicius Jr. was not used. Criticism came from all fronts ranging from the Madrid media all the way to the club president, Florentino Perez.

Ramos said, “The referee played a big role in things. I’ve always defended the VAR system, but it has to be improved because what we’ve seen was scandalous.”

Ramos was also referring to a decision that saw Lucas Vazquez get expelled from the game following a second yellow card on a questionable call. Should Real Madrid feel hard done by these refereeing decisions? Yes. Are they to blame for their loss? No.

The fact of the matter is that Real Madrid, along with the press, see VAR as an opportunity to blame something else rather than themselves for yet another dismal display. They were already down by a goal before the controversial no-call. They had plenty of chances before and after the call to draw things level but failed to do so.

That Florentino Perez called Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish federation, to complain about VAR simply shows that there is a lack of self-criticism at the club. It also shows some guts considering Real Madrid were the ones who forced Rubiales’ hand in getting rid of Julen Lopetegui days before the World Cup.

In the second-half, both Real Madrid and Real Sociedad had various opportunities to either turn the game around or increase their lead. In the end it was Real Sociedad who got the second goal to kill the game off.

Their dismal display is not a new thing either. This has been the case since the season started. They are already on their second manager in Solari after firing Lopetegui back in October after a 5-1 loss at the hands of Barcelona. Any sort of shine Solari gave the club at the beginning of his reign is now over. Neither the manager nor the players seem to have any idea on how to turn this around. Aside from Luka Modric, everyone else wants to find someone else to blame.

It is not VAR’s fault that Marcelo cannot seem to defend anymore or that Karim Benzema cannot put away chances. It is not VAR’s fault that they were unable to replenish the squad and have to rely on young players that, despite being talented, are still works in progress.

The situation at Real Madrid goes far beyond whether VAR was used incorrectly or not. Florentino Perez and those in charge at the club know it too. They know their time at the club is in danger with how things have gone this season. On this occasion, VAR gives them an easy scapegoat to deflect any sort of blame that would have fallen on their shoulders.