Barcelona legend Carles Rexach claims Real Madrid have benefited most from refereeing

Barcelona great Carles Rexach has launched a strong criticism of Real Madrid, claiming they are the team to have benefited most from refereeing decisions throughout football history.

Rexach, a former Barcelona manager and one of the club’s most celebrated figures, made the comments after the major officiating controversy surrounding Sunday’s Madrid derby. He was speaking as a documentary about his life, Running for Cowards, is due to be shown on Monday. The film has been produced by Mundo Deportivo in collaboration with Movistar Plus.

In an interview with the Cafe d’Idees programme on 2Cat radio, Rexach was asked about the continuing debate over refereeing and the use of video technology.

“Throughout history, Real Madrid have been the team that benefited the most, not only in Spain but in Europe,” he said.

Rexach also questioned whether the introduction of VAR had solved the problems that existed before its arrival.

“During my career as a player, we always used to lose,” he said. “At first, I strongly supported the VAR system and thought it would be more effective. But if there was previously a problem with the referee and their assistants, we now have the same problem, along with the video officials. We have made very little progress; we are still in the same situation as before.”

The former Barcelona boss was more positive when assessing his old club’s start to the season, insisting his view was based on their performances rather than excessive optimism.

“It is not a question of being overly optimistic,” he said. “Things are going well, even excellently. But if you look at it objectively and without bias, Barcelona are currently at a completely different level from the other Spanish teams.”

Rexach identified Paris Saint-Germain as the only side he believes can seriously challenge Barcelona at present.

“Right now, the only team capable of competing strongly with Barcelona is Paris Saint-Germain,” he said. “The others do not have any chance. Barcelona are playing at a different pace, running and working extremely hard. All of these players believe in their own ability.”

He added that the confidence of youth could help explain the team’s performances.

“When you reach a stage of experience, you can begin to fear failure,” Rexach said. “But when you are young, things go well.”

Rexach concluded by highlighting Barcelona’s six-point advantage over Real Madrid and the possibility of extending it when the teams meet at home after the international break.

“Barcelona are playing brilliantly,” he said. “They are currently six points ahead of Real Madrid, and when we return from the break, we will face Real Madrid at home soon. That could make the difference nine points, and then things will start to deteriorate for Real Madrid.”