By Ramiro Diaz

The atmosphere in LaLiga is far from calming after Real Madrid's accusations against the competition over the refereeing in their match against Espanyol on February 1. The Madrid club not only questioned the actions of the referee but also accused the league of being "adulterated", sparking a wave of reactions that have only intensified the tension between the key players in Spanish football.
Real Madrid's Allegation: An Adulterated League?
It all started with the match between Real Madrid and Espanyol, in which Kylian Mbappé was the victim of a tackle from behind by Espanyol player Carlo Romero. Many believed this deserved a red card, yet the referee failed to sanction the challenge, igniting the fury of Real Madrid's board. In response, the club issued a statement to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), accusing the league's refereeing of being tainted and claiming that LaLiga had been “adulterated”. This claim of bias added fuel to the fire and would later be escalated by LaLiga president Javier Tebas' comments.
Javier Tebas Responds: "Real Madrid Is A Crybaby Club"
Real Madrid's complaint led to an immediate response from Javier Tebas, who labelled the club a "crybaby" in the media. His criticism was not just directed at the club as a whole, but specifically at the attitude of the Madrid board, who, according to Tebas, were fostering a “victimised” and “conspiratorial” narrative. Tebas' statement became even sharper when he said that this rhetoric not only disrespects the competition but also disrespects the clubs that beat Real Madrid, whether because they were better or simply had more luck on their side.
Ancelotti Takes The Stage: Tension Rises Even Further
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti did not take long to respond to Tebas. During a press conference ahead of the match against Real Sociedad, the Italian coach delivered a strong critique of LaLiga's president, accusing him of talking too much about Real Madrid and disrespecting millions of Madrid fans. According to Ancelotti, there were more pressing issues in Spanish football that Tebas should be focusing on, rather than creating controversy. However, far from calming the situation, Ancelotti’s words only provoked further responses, particularly from Tebas, who once again targeted him with strong words.
Tebas and Ancelotti: A Clashing Rivalry That Keeps Escalating
LaLiga president Javier Tebas didn’t let Ancelotti’s comments slide and took to his personal X account to respond directly. "Carlo, everyone knows that institutions reflect what their leaders do and say," Tebas began. In his message, the LaLiga president reminded that Real Madrid's narrative was building an atmosphere of victimhood, which he believed was unjust for other clubs that also fight hard on the field. He also made it clear that some people were clinging to a conspiracy theory rather than acknowledging the merits of their rivals.
Respect and Values of the Competition: A Core Issue
The dispute between Real Madrid and LaLiga isn’t just about refereeing but also about the values that both institutions represent. LaLiga's president ended his message by saying that this victimhood narrative went against the very values that Spanish football has always stood for. For Tebas, it is a shame that figures like Ancelotti are being dragged into this narrative, which he argued only serves to divide Spanish football.
Conclusion: The Future of Spanish Football Remains Uncertain
The ongoing conflict between Real Madrid and LaLiga is a clear reflection of the tensions that are present in Spanish football. While Real Madrid accuses the league of being adulterated, LaLiga stands firm in defending the competition. The ongoing controversy over refereeing, the back-and-forth remarks, and accusations of conspiracy appear far from over. In this context, the future of Spanish football seems uncertain, and the rivalry between the parties could have consequences that extend beyond the field.

01/09/2025

29/08/2025

27/08/2025

26/08/2025

21/08/2025

20/08/2025

19/08/2025

18/08/2025

18/08/2025

15/08/2025

14/08/2025

13/08/2025

13/08/2025

13/08/2025

13/08/2025

12/08/2025

12/08/2025

12/08/2025