Burley: Officials no excuse in Real Madrid’s Champions League exit (1:36)Craig Burley slams Real Madrid’s postmatch criticisms of the officiating in their Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. (1:36)
Alex KirklandApr 15, 2026, 06:31 PM ETMultiple Authors
MUNICH, Germany — Coach Álvaro Arbeloa said it was “obvious” that Eduardo Camavinga’s red card was crucial in Real Madrid’s Champions League quarterfinal elimination by Bayern Munich on Wednesday, while midfielder Jude Bellingham called the decision “a joke.”
Madrid were leading 3-2 at the Allianz Arena — with the tie level at 4-4 and heading for extra time — when substitute Camavinga was dismissed in the 86th minute after being shown a second yellow card by referee Slavko Vinčić.
Arda Güler — who had earlier scored twice — was sent off on the final whistle for remonstrating with the officials.
“I think so, it’s obvious [that the red card decided the game],” Arbeloa told Movistar. “You can’t send a player off for a thing like that. I think the referee didn’t even know that [Camavinga] already had a yellow card.”
Bellingham said Camavinga’s red card was “a joke” as he passed through the mixed zone, adding: “Two fouls [by Camavinga], two yellow cards.”
Güler had put Madrid ahead on the night after just 35 seconds, and later netted a free kick, while Kylian Mbappé also scored before half time in a wild opening 45 minutes.
“I’ll accept the consequences of a defeat like this,” Arbeloa — who took over from Xabi Alonso in January — said. “Since I’ve sat in this chair I’ve tried to help the club always, in any way I can.
“I haven’t wanted to show my level as a coach, but rather to help the players on the pitch. We’ve faced a lot of teams, [Vincent] Kompany’s Bayern, Pep Guardiola’s [Manchester] City, [Diego] Simeone’s Atlético. I don’t know how much this team has of me. For sure it’s much less than the examples I’ve given.
“I’ve tried to help the club, and it will be that way until the last day… I understand perfectly any decision the club might take.”
Madrid next play Alavés, Real Betis and Espanyol in LaLiga before a Clásico meeting with Barcelona at Camp Nou on May 10.
Burley: Officials no excuse in Real Madrid’s Champions League exit (1:36)Craig Burley slams Real Madrid’s postmatch criticisms of the officiating in their Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. (1:36)
Craig Burley slams Real Madrid’s postmatch criticisms of the officiating in their Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. (1:36)
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Defender Antonio Rüdiger also made his feelings clear.
Alex KirklandApr 15, 2026, 06:31 PM ETMultiple Authors
“It’s better not to talk. … You saw it, right?” he said.