José Mourinho defended referee Munuera Montero and made light of Racing Santander supporters after two controversial decisions went Real Madrid's way in Santander. The Real Madrid coach had said he would speak out when refereeing favoured his team, but he did not address the penalty awarded for contact on Mbappé. He instead commented on the spot-kick that was first given and then overturned for a handball by Tchouaméni.
Mourinho said the home crowd protests everything and suggested many fans do not know the rules. He described El Sardinero as a stadium he likes and its supporters as a fanbase he likes, saying they come to participate rather than simply watch and create a difficult atmosphere for the visiting team. But he argued that people often miss small details of the laws, and that Tchouaméni's handball could never be a penalty because it came from a rebound. He said he was calm after seeing the replay on the iPad because he thought that, if VAR was not asleep, it would not be a penalty.
The Portuguese coach praised Munuera Montero's performance, saying the referee had been technically very good and also disciplined in a tough match with only two cards. He also highlighted his team's progress, defensive attitude and commitment, noting that even Mbappé pressed and that Real Madrid should score more goals. He said he was happy with the growth and that work and sacrifice from attacking players sends a positive message to everyone.
Racing coach José Alberto complained about the penalty awarded against his side for a very light contact on Mbappé. He said touching a player is not a foul and that football involves contact, and he was surprised the incident was not reviewed. He said VAR exists for that and that this was what bothered him.
Sources: La Vanguardia.