Rafael Nogueira
Controversial Corner Decision Overshadows Supercopa Final
The Supercopa de España final between Barcelona and Real Madrid ended in chaos after referee Jesús Gil Manzano – standing in for the suspended Juan Martínez Munuera – allowed a contentious corner that led to Barça‘s 2-2 equalizer in the 6th minute of stoppage time.
Former top-flight referee Eduardo Iturralde González, now an analyst for AS and Cadena SER, called the decision a clear error. Munuera Montero initially signaled 3 minutes of added time – extended to 5 after two late goals – but the corner was taken beyond even that window.
“He awarded 3 minutes, then added 2 more after the goals. The match should have ended at 5. That corner never should have been allowed.”
Carreras Avoids Yellow for Dangerous Challenge on Yamal
The controversy began early. In the 22nd minute, Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy – replaced by Adrián Carreras – stomped on Lamine Yamal‘s instep with a reckless, mistimed tackle. The Barça winger reacted furiously, but the referee only signaled a free kick.
“That’s a yellow – no question. A late, forceful stamp on the foot. Referees often hold back in 0-0 matches, but this was excessive.”
Iturralde’s assessment underscores the leniency shown in high-stakes fixtures. Barcelona players surrounded the official, yet no card was issued.
The incident set the tone for a match marred by questionable officiating. With LaLiga’s VAR review system under scrutiny, the fallout from this final will fuel debates over consistency in Spanish football’s most prestigious clashes.
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