Bordalas explains his altercation with Bellingham and thoughts on Nyom’s red card.
Getafe manager José Bordalás was left fuming after his side’s 1–0 defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday night, criticizing the refereeing decisions that left his team with nine men and lamenting what he described as unnecessary provocation from Vinícius Jr.
Speaking to Movistar+ in his post-game interview, Bordalás said his players’ hard work was undone by controversial officiating.
"All our efforts were wasted. The boys gave their all. We’ve faced a lot of adversity this season, but Nyom’s sending off was a defining moment,"
The red card to Allan Nyom in the second half proved pivotal, with Getafe forced to finish the game with 10, and then nine players. Bordalás was furious at the decision, insisting the incident was exaggerated by Vinícius.
"Vinícius is touching his face while pretending to be an assault. For me, that’s not a red card — at most, a yellow,"
Bordalás also revealed that the referee offered no explanation on the pitch and that VAR did not review the play.
"No, they didn’t tell me anything because the VAR didn’t intervene. They felt it was a red card and didn’t need to review it. It all stems from the yellow card given to Kiko for a foul on Vinícius that wasn’t even a foul, and a substitution had to be made. That’s what usually happens in these kinds of matches."
The Getafe coach went on to express frustration at what he perceives as inconsistent treatment against smaller clubs when facing top opposition:
"Yes, of course. I’m not judging, but there were very similar fouls in the first half that didn’t result in a card."
Bordalás also addressed a heated moment on the sideline involving both Vinícius and Jude Bellingham in the closing stages.
"It was with Bellingham. Vinícius came to me and said, ‘Very good substitution.’ Then Bellingham came and said something to me, and I told him to play along and not talk too much. Vinícius doesn’t have to come and provoke me and say, ‘Very good substitution.’"
Despite finishing the game with two fewer men, Getafe nearly snatched an equalizer in the final minutes through Kamara, something Bordalás took pride in.
"Curiously, yes. We had it with Kamara. It’s a shame. I’m not talking about justice, but it would have been a great reward for the boys. They gave everything against a tough opponent like Madrid, with incredible top-tier players."