Sevilla head coach Matías Almeyda did not mince words following his side’s 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, launching a scathing attack on referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz.

​The match, which served as the final fixture of 2025 for both clubs, was headlined by Almeyda’s dismissal at halftime and a controversial second-half red card for Sevilla defender Marcão.

​Tension in the Tunnel

​The Argentine coach, who took over at Sevilla in June 2025, was initially cautioned in the first half for protesting from the touchline. However, the situation escalated during the break. Almeyda was shown a straight red card in the tunnel while attempting to discuss the officiating with Muñiz Ruiz.

​”I am not a circus clown,” an indignant Almeyda told reporters at the post-match press conference. “This red card hurt me. I am obliged to talk about it because they said I insulted the referee. I have a sense of value.”

​Almeyda challenged officials to release the audio recordings of the incident, claiming he has witnesses to prove he remained respectful. “If there is a lack of respect or rudeness in what I said, let the recording be heard. This gentleman [the referee] said he was tired of me talking about respect.”

​A Night of Controversy

​On the pitch, Real Madrid secured the win through goals from Jude Bellingham (38′) and a late penalty from Kylian Mbappé (86′). The spot-kick allowed Mbappé to equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 59 goals in a calendar year for the club.

​Sevilla’s uphill battle became a mountain in the 68th minute when Marcão was sent off for a second yellow card. Almeyda’s frustration stemmed from what he perceived as inconsistent officiating, noting that Real Madrid’s Rodrygo escaped a second booking earlier in the match for a similar challenge.

​La Liga Standings – End of 2025

​The victory moves Real Madrid within a point of the summit, while Sevilla remains mid-table.

Position Team

1 – Barcelona

2 – Real Madrid

9 – Sevilla

Almeyda’s Legacy

​The 52-year-old former defensive midfielder, who earned 40 caps for Argentina, reminded the media of his extensive experience. Having transitioned to coaching in 2011 with River Plate, Almeyda emphasized that he understands the “various stages of the game” and will not accept being treated with “authoritarianism” by officials.

​Sevilla will look to regroup over the winter break before returning to action in early January, while the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) has yet to comment on Almeyda’s demand for the tunnel audio.