Real Madrid survive Canary Island scare without Jude Bellingham but VAR controversy rumbles on

Real Madrid managed to win again, this time without Jude Bellingham, but it’s another game that will be marred by VAR controversy.

LaLiga leaders Los Blancos were without their English talisman due to a culmination of yellow cards, but still secured another comeback win, this time 2-1 away at Las Palmas on the Canary Islands.

Javi Munoz opened the scoring early in the second half after a goalless first 45, and it looked like Madrid might be punished this time.

However, goals from Vinicius Jr and Aurelien Tchouameni saw them fight back to take the three points and stay top of the table.

It was the second game in the row Madrid had to come from behind, having fallen 2-0 to bottom of the table Almeria last time out, only to win 3-2.

That game made headlines worldwide, though, with three goals changed by VAR in favour of Carlo Ancelotti’s side, leaving Almeria outraged.

Barcelona too joined in on the act, with manager Xavi and defender Inigo Martinez both making inflammatory comments, before president Joan Laporta went even further.

Laporta said the league was being ‘adulterated’ by the pressure Madrid are putting on officials, and the ever vocal executive will likely be active again after the latest game.

With just minutes on the clock Los Blancos forward Rodrygo threw out a hand at Las Palmas goalkeeper Alvaro Valles and slapped him on the back of the head, but escaped with just a yellow card.

Commenting on the incident on Spanish TV, long-time LaLiga referee Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez said: “It is a red card because there is intensity, an excessive use of force. With the last image that’s shown he can be expelled, because Rodrygo pulls out his fist with force.”

Then, with half an hour played, former Arsenal man Dani Ceballos made an incredibly clumsy challenge on Sergi Cardona in his own area, but avoided a penalty.

Adding on that moment, Iturralde Gonzalez said: “There’s nothing in it. There is slight contact, but football is contact.

“Ceballos has won the position and the Las Palmas player jumps in.”