Atletico director fires back at Barcelona complaints after Copa del R… — and more

Barcelona’s crushing 0-4 loss to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final has triggered a storm of reactions, and one of the most striking responses has come from a familiar face. 

Mateu Alemany, once a key sporting director at Barcelona and now holding the same role at Atletico Madrid, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the refereeing decisions in the match.

Given his past at the Catalan club, Alemany’s words carry added significance. He understands the internal environment at Barcelona and the way controversies are often handled at the club. 

Shots fired at Barcelona

Speaking recently, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Alemany made it clear that he was surprised by the direction of the discussion around the result. 

He suggested that the refereeing should not be the main talking point after such a heavy defeat.

“I find it curious that people are talking about the referees from Thursday’s game. I think that should be the least relevant thing. 

“In the other day’s match, there is only one action that is being questioned, which is an offside (in the goal that would have made it 4-1 in favour of Barcelona), and offsides, nowadays, are checked technologically. 

“It is objective and not open to interpretation,” he said.

What’s the context?

Barcelona were not happy with the refereeing decisions. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His comments came after Barcelona formally complained to the RFEF and the referees’ committee, expressing concern over what they believe is an inconsistent use of technology and a lack of unified criteria in key decisions. 

The club felt that several calls in the match went against them, not just the disallowed goal.

Alemany, however, insisted that the offside call was clear and left no room for debate. 

“If it’s offside, there’s no such thing as slightly offside. It either is, or it isn’t. The same thing happened to us last Sunday (against Betis, with a goal by Antoine Griezmann), when we were also called offside by a very small margin. 

“If it’s close, it’s offside. There’s nothing more to say,” he added.

It must be noted that Barcelona’s frustration was not limited to the disallowed goal. 

In fact, the club also pointed to the red card shown to Eric Garcia, arguing that VAR did not even review a similar challenge by Giuliano Simeone on Alejandro Balde. 

That difference in treatment has become another key part of their complaint.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. is entering an important phase of the season with renewed confidence. 

The Brazilian has noticeably raised his level in recent weeks, and his performances have once again placed him at the centre of Madrid’s attacking plans.

Away from the pitch, the 25-year-old recently appeared on Ibai Llanos’ YouTube channel (h/t AS), where he spoke about his life at Real Madrid, his role in the dressing room, and his experiences with the Brazil national team. 

Vinicius began by speaking about his happiness both professionally and personally, stressing that his life at Real Madrid gives him a strong sense of fulfilment.

“I’m very happy. Playing for Madrid, having the life I have, and my family makes me happy. Being happy on and off the pitch is the best thing,” he began saying.

On Ancelotti

He then turned his attention to the Brazilian national team and the impact of Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival as head coach. 

Vinicius made it clear that the Italian has brought a new mood to the squad.

Ancelotti and Vinicius have a special relationship. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“He has changed the face of the national team. We play better, we are happier and more relaxed. For me, his arrival is the best thing that has happened. He could be my grandfather.”

Vinicius even shared a light-hearted anecdote about their relationship.

“Every time he calls me, he tells me we’re going to win the World Cup. He’s already speaking Portuguese, he’s learning very quickly.”

The winger also spoke about the physical demands of his role and why fitness remains a top priority for him.

“I need my physique because I use speed a lot. We have to be physically and mentally perfect because we’re not always going to be technically where we want to be.”

Fame and mental health

Reflecting on fame, he admitted that life changed quickly after his rise at Real Madrid.

“When we are very young, we don’t learn how to be famous. I came out of nowhere to be famous and not be able to go out on the street. 

“The good thing is that people love you a lot, but the bad thing is the press and rival fans.”

To protect his mental health, he revealed that he sometimes distances himself from online criticism.

“You have to listen to everything, not just the good stuff.”

Vinicius also addressed the hostile atmospheres he often faces away from home, making it clear that he thrives under pressure.

“I love it. We train for these games. It’s in moments of pressure that the best players stand out, and at Madrid we’re ready.”

He also showed understanding for rival supporters.

“When I went to see Flamengo, they also booed the opposing players. Football ends when the game ends.”

On Mbappe and the dressing room

Vinicius pushed for Mbappe’s signing. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

One of the most revealing parts of the interview came when he discussed his role in Real Madrid’s major signings. 

He admitted that he personally pushed for the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

“Every summer I would write to him: ‘When are you coming?’. I acted as his agent. 

“I did the same with Bellingham. I want to play with the best to have a better chance of winning.”

Inside the dressing room, Vinicius said his closest relationships are with a small group of teammates, namely, Mbappe, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy.

“We spend more time with each other than with our families. We have to have a good relationship.”

Speaking about former teammates, he showed particular affection for Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.

“He’s my favourite. We understood each other with just a glance.“

And on the Croatian legend, he added, “He has something special that only he can have. I miss him a lot. He liked jokes, but he didn’t like to lose.”

Vinicius also admitted to one regret from his Real Madrid career, which is not playing with Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I arrived just when he left. I wish I could have played with him.”

Match against Benfica

Looking ahead to the Champions League tie against Benfica, he acknowledged the difficulty of playing in Lisbon and the motivation to respond after the earlier defeat. 

He also spoke about facing Jose Mourinho for the first time, stating, “He changed the history of the club.”

Finally, he recalled Real Madrid’s famous Champions League comebacks, describing the almost unbreakable belief inside the squad.

“We felt we were going to come back. Against City, we went into extra time knowing we were going to win. 

“When Joselu scored against Bayern, we didn’t even look at the scoreboard. We knew we were going to win before it was over.”

The Championship title race is reaching boiling point as Coventry and Middlesbrough meet in a clash that could end up deciding who tops the table come the end of the season.

Frank Lampard’s Coventry had a 10-point gap at the Championship’s pinnacle at the end of November but a serious dip in form - going on a run of just four wins in 13 league outings - has seen Boro not only close the gap but leapfrog the Sky Blues into first.

Rob Edwards’ defection to Wolves earlier in the season has hardly hampered Middlesbrough’s quest for promotion, with Kim Hellberg’s side currently flying off six wins on the bounce.

The visitors could extend their lead over Coventry to five points and open the gap between themselves and third to nine points if they win on Monday night, while Lampard will know his side could find themselves in a precarious position if they suffer another poor result, with Ipswich set to have two games in hand on them.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is Coventry vs Middlesbrough?

Coventry’s clash with Middlesbrough kicks off at 8pm GMT on Monday 16 February at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the UK can watch the game for free on ITV4 and streaming service ITVX, with coverage starting at 7:30pm. The game will also be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

Team news

Coventry have been boosted by the potential availability of Ephron Mason-Clark, who may return from a foot injury, while January arrivals Jahnoah Markelo and Frank Onyeka could make their debuts.

Middlesbrough’s Leo Castledine will face a late fitness check to see if he is ready to return to the squad, having missed Boro’s last two matches. Hellberg is still without longer-term absentees Alfie Jones, Alex Bangura, George Edmundson and Darragh Lenihan. January recruit Jeremy Sarmiento has been getting up to speed and may be involved after impressing in training.

Predicted line-ups

Coventry XI: Rushworth; Van Ewijk, Woolfenden, Latibeaudiere, Dasilva; Onyeka, Grimes; Sakamoto, Eccles, Esse; Wright.

Middlesbrough XI: Brynn; Brittain, Ayling, Malanda, Targett; Browne, Morris, Hackney; Whittaker, Conway, McGree.

Everything you need to know ahead of the clash