FC Barcelona has won the last Clásico of the season with a tight 4-3 against Real Madrid. A result that practically seals LaLiga, leaving the white team 7 points behind. But the blaugrana victory was not without controversy.
The performance of referee Hernández Hernández has caused outrage in the culé environment. Several controversial decisions affected the course of the match, although Flick's team managed to overcome them. The victory was experienced as an act of rebellion against a clearly adverse refereeing.
Refereeing that raised suspicions even before the initial whistle
The week was already full of suspicions after the private meeting between Hernández Hernández and Real Madrid. Added to this was Marciniak's recent performance in the Champions League against Inter, which was also heavily criticized. The blaugrana fans already feared a new dark chapter.
So it was. The Clásico began with worrying signs from the first minute. Obvious fouls not called, forgiven yellow cards, and an uneven criterion unleashed the anger of the Montjuïc crowd.
The first major controversy came with Mbappé's second goal, preceded by an uncalled foul on Lamine Yamal. The play was clear, but neither the referee nor the VAR intervened. Shortly after, Tchouaméni brought down Ferran as the last man, but only saw yellow.
The protests erupted in the stadium, but the criterion was kept. Later, Asensio made a harsh tackle on Ferran with no intention of playing the ball. Again, only a yellow card, the feeling was of absolute refereeing helplessness.
The final minutes, a festival of decisions against
In the 80th minute, another key moment came, Ferran shot at goal and Tchouaméni blocked the ball with his hand inside the area. The VAR called the referee to review the action, but Hernández Hernández decided not to call a penalty. The disbelief was total.
As if that wasn't enough, in stoppage time, Fermín scored a great goal that was disallowed for an alleged handball after VAR review. A very disputed action that deprived Barça of a greater lead on the scoreboard. Even so, Flick's team did not give up.
The first consequences of the refereeing scandal
Despite everything, Barça took a deserved and vital victory in the fight for the title. The team showed character, ambition, and a great capacity to respond to adversity. Flick, visibly satisfied, praised the group's attitude after the final whistle.
Montjuïc vibrated with a team that is not intimidated by either refereeing errors or the pressure of the Clásico. LaLiga is very close to being dyed blaugrana, in a season marked by obstacles... and constant overcoming.
According to several media outlets, the consequences for Hernández Hernández have not been long in coming. The Technical Committee of Referees is seriously evaluating his performance during the Clásico. In fact, everything points to the referee being sidelined until the end of the season.