The controversial refereeing that left a mark on Barça-Alavés: Find out everything!

José Luis Munuera Montero was once again a real headache for FC Barcelona on Sunday in Montjuïc. Against Alavés (1-0), the Andalusian referee clearly tilted his judgment in favor of the visitors, in a match where the 'blanquiazul' team had the luxury of committing up to 20 fouls, punished with just one yellow card. Nahuel Tenaglia was the only one cautioned from the visitors after a harsh foul on Raphinha in the 55'.

Ten minutes later, Carlos Benavidez also saw yellow, but for his protests from the bench. The Uruguayan midfielder didn't even get to play. Tenaglia, in fact, had already caused a card for Gavi right at the start of the match, in the 6th minute, for a late tackle. Moments later, the Barça midfielder suffered a severe head collision with Conechny that forced both to leave the field. The Argentine took the worst of it, being carried off on a stretcher directly to the hospital. 

Barça survived Munuera Montero's double standard

Although Tenaglia and Antonio Blanco were relentless in fouling Alavés (the midfielder committed 5 fouls but escaped a yellow card), it was Barça that paid the price in terms of discipline. The culés only committed 8 fouls, 5 of which were punished with a card. In addition to Gavi, Ronald Araujo also ended the first half cautioned, which is why Hansi Flick decided to substitute Eric García for him after the break.

In the second half, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Fermín López faced the same fate, while the team led by Eduardo Coudet took advantage of the situation to constantly interrupt the game, maintaining options to at least aspire to a draw. Fortunately for Barça, Robert Lewandowski's goal was enough to secure three points that re-engage the Catalans in the fight for the lead. Despite the lamentable refereeing, the battle for LaLiga remains open.