Lamine Yamal mocks Real Madrid’s refereeing complaints after Barcelona lead

Lamine Yamal has responded sarcastically to Real Madrid’s complaints about refereeing decisions this season, insisting Barcelona are satisfied with the officials’ performances.

The Barcelona forward was asked about the prospect of a particularly heated year during a news conference before the club’s UEFA Champions League match against Feyenoord.

With Real Madrid having already voiced concerns about refereeing decisions, Yamal was asked whether he expected the campaign to become increasingly confrontational.

“If they have not won for two years, that is their problem. We are happy with the refereeing. That question is for them. I see them happy too,” he replied.

Yamal’s comments referred to Barcelona’s recent success in La Liga. The Catalan club won the Spanish league title in each of the past two seasons, finishing ahead of Real Madrid on both occasions.

Barcelona are also above their rivals in the current league standings. They lead the table with 12 points, while Real Madrid are third on nine points.

The exchange adds another layer to the longstanding rivalry between the two clubs, with refereeing decisions becoming a particular source of debate around Real Madrid this season. Yamal chose to dismiss the criticism rather than offer a detailed assessment of individual incidents.

During the same media appearance, Yamal was also asked about Xavi Hernandez, described in the source report as the Netherlands manager. The Barcelona player spoke warmly about him and expressed his hope that things would go well for him, apart from when he faces Spain.

“He is a great coach. I have a great deal of affection for him, and I hope things go well for him, except in his matches against Spain,” said Yamal.

Xavi was the first manager to give Yamal the opportunity to play for Barcelona’s first team. That decision helped begin the teenager’s senior career at the club and established an important connection between the player and his former coach.

Yamal’s remarks came as Barcelona prepared for their Champions League meeting with Feyenoord, while domestic attention remained focused on the gap between the two Spanish giants. Barcelona’s position at the top of the standings and Real Madrid’s complaints about officiating have created an early talking point in the season.

The comments are likely to attract further attention because of Yamal’s role in Barcelona’s team and the intensity of the rivalry with Real Madrid. His answer offered a pointed response to the criticism while also reaffirming Barcelona’s view that they have no complaints about the refereeing so far.

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