Real Madrid’s La Cartuja match sees three ball changes after early complaints

Real Madrid’s meeting with Real Betis at La Cartuja was disrupted by three separate ball changes, after players from both sides questioned whether the match ball had enough air in the opening minutes.

The first issue arose in the opening minute of the fourth-round La Liga fixture, when the ball reached Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Belgium international immediately informed referee Hernandez Hernandez that the ball did not appear to be properly inflated.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the referee responded by replacing the ball for the first time. However, that proved to be only the beginning of a series of interruptions connected to the equipment being used in the match.

A few minutes later, Hector Bellerin committed a foul on Vinicius Junior. As Arda Guler took possession of the ball and prepared to take the resulting free-kick, the Turkey international raised further doubts over its condition.

Guler repeated Courtois’ concern about the pressure, with Vinicius also joining him in questioning whether the ball was suitable for play. Following a brief inspection and a short discussion, Hernandez Hernandez ordered another replacement.

The second change was made before the free-kick was taken by the side managed by Jose Mourinho. The situation, though, did not end there.

After the match had passed the seventh minute, another stoppage followed an incident involving a throw-in. This time, the concern came from Denzel Dumfries, who did not approach the referee. Instead, the player took it upon himself to change the ball at the touchline inside La Cartuja.

The sequence meant that the match had required three ball changes in its early stages. The repeated interventions created visible dissatisfaction among the players, although the report did not indicate that the officials identified any further issue beyond the complaints about the ball’s air pressure.

The incidents unfolded during a fixture between Real Madrid and Real Betis in the fourth round of La Liga at La Cartuja. Courtois’ initial observation was followed by Guler and Vinicius raising the same issue before Dumfries carried out the third change himself.

Marca reported the details of the unusual start to the contest. The repeated ball changes became the main talking point from the opening stages of a match that had barely progressed beyond its first few minutes.

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