Javi Gracia believes the referee in Malaga’s defeat to Atletico Madrid was a little strict but offered no excuses for the defeat.
Malaga fell to a 3-1 reverse against the champions and had Samuel sent off in the second half, while Atletico captain Gabi was also dismissed shortly before the final whistle.
Goals from Tiago Mendes, Antoine Griezmann and Diego Godin gave Atletico the win, with Roque Santa Cruz on target for the visitors.
“The second yellow for Samu was very strict. I understand it’s not the same to send off a player after 72 minutes and with two minutes remaining,” Gracia said, Marca reports.
“The sending off conditioned the fixture because we had chances to make it 2-2. You have to do well to get something here.
“I understand the referee’s work is very difficult. It’s a difficult level to maintain.
“We were a little bolder in the second half but the sending off made it difficult for us. The international break is no excuse and neither is the refereeing, although it was very strict and conditioned the game.”
With Ignacio Camacho also booked by Fernando Teixeira Vitienes, his fifth of the season, Malaga are missing two important players for their next fixture, against Real Madrid.
“I don’t think the second card for Samu was fair,” Gracia said.
“Our winning run had been very positive. Getting five wins in a row isn’t something done by most teams and we did it.”
