The Real Champs
Fansided

Three things we learned from Real Madrid’s emphatic win over Celta Vigo

By Ben Sundock

VIGO, SPAIN - AUGUST 17: Players of Real Madrid celebrate after Toni Kroos scores the second goal during the Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Abanca-Balaídos on August 17, 2019 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
VIGO, SPAIN - AUGUST 17: Players of Real Madrid celebrate after Toni Kroos scores the second goal during the Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Abanca-Balaídos on August 17, 2019 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) /
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VIGO, SPAIN – AUGUST 17: Estrada Fernandez the referee shows a red card for Luka Modric of Real Madrid during the Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Abanca-Balaídos on August 17, 2019 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
VIGO, SPAIN – AUGUST 17: Estrada Fernandez the referee shows a red card for Luka Modric of Real Madrid during the Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Abanca-Balaídos on August 17, 2019 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) /

VAR is still very confusing

Remember when we thought the video assistant referee was going to help get the calls right? Guess again.

Unfortunately, two VAR decisions in this match will be a huge talking point. In the first half, Celta Vigo was denied a tying-goal just before halftime due to either an offside on Iago Aspas or a handball (I am not totally sure what the official call was).

Alvaro Odriozola made a horrible mistake and was let off the hook by the review. Personally, I thought it was a good goal and am unsure how the decision was made to call off.

The second incident was the foul by Modric on Denis Suarez that initially looked harmless, but was determined to be a straight red offense from the Croatian international. This was the first time in his lengthy Real Madrid career Modric was shown a red card in La Liga and I am unsure as to why this was deemed a red.

Yes, Modric did step Suarez’s ankle in an attempt to win the ball back, but there didn’t seem to be any intent to hurt the player.

All and all, the officiating in the match was solid, but it is unfortunate to have lengthy delays like we saw today.

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