'There are things that we don't control' - Barcelona boss Xavi rages over controversial Jude Bellingham penalty for Real Madrid after Almeria claim they were 'robbed' against La Liga leaders

Madrid came from two goals down to beat La Liga's bottom team Almeria 3-2 to preserve their lead at the top of the La Liga table. Almeria were outraged, however, because of controversial VAR calls, including the decision to give the penalty that Jude Bellingham converted to make it 2-1. Almeria coach Gaizka Garitano, who was shown a red card late in the game, complained about the officiating, adding: "This isn't the first time something like this has happened to me here."

Xavi says he "shares" the coach's reflection and expressed his grievances with refereeing in Spain. He said at a press conference: "I already said in Getafe that it was going to be very difficult to win this league. There are people who don't remember but I think we could have six more points in this championship. I remember the penalty in the Coliseum, the resounding penalty against Raphinha, Joao Felix's goal in Granada... They are not excuses, they are realities, 95th minute situations that always come up with a cross... There are things that we do not control, everyone has seen it today."

Garitano and Xavi were not the only ones to vent their frustration about the officials' decisions. Almeria star Gonzalo Melero said his team were "robbed" of the three points, adding: "It's that clear. They could not have done more for [Madrid] to get back in the match."

Meanwhile, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti feels the decisions were all correct, telling reporters: "I understand Almería's anger with the decisions, but I think they were all correct. I have seen them back. I think the referee gets them right. It's not VAR making the decisions. VAR advises and the referee decides. I think he was right."

Madrid's win keeps them just a point behind Girona in La Liga while Barca sit seven points adrift of Ancelotti's team. The Santiago Bernabeu side take on Las Palmas in their next La Liga game, while Xavi's men take on Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.