Real Madrid's dramatic 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg has reignited discussions surrounding the club's resilience and the influence of referee decisions in crucial moments. Following the match, Real Madrid defender Matthijs de Ligt shared his perspective on why he believes the Spanish giants have accumulated 14 Champions League trophies.
In a report by Fabrizio Romano, De Ligt acknowledged the controversial nature of the match, stating, "I don't want to say that Real Madrid always has the referees with them, but that made the difference today." His comments allude to the perception held by some that Real Madrid receives favorable decisions from referees in key moments of matches.
De Ligt further elaborated on Real Madrid's remarkable ability to stage comebacks, remarking, "Real, when you think they are dead, they have a last breath… that is why they have 14 Champions Leagues," during an interview with Movistar.
The Dutch defender's remarks have sparked debate among football fans and pundits alike. While some argue that Real Madrid's success is a testament to their resilience and winning mentality, others question the role of referee decisions in their triumphs.