Questionable calls the norm, claim Real

18 February 2013 03:56

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka claims controversial refereeing decisions no longer surprise the La Liga champions.

Sergio Ramos received an early red card during Real's 2-0 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, a decision that drew the ire of the capital club.

The 39-year-old Karanka is less than impressed with some of the calls that have gone against his side this season.

"It doesn't surprise us at all," he told reporters.

"We know what has happened before, and we are not surprised at all. It was bad for the match, which had started well for spectators."

Real coach Jose Mourinho elected to leave Karim Benzema on the bench for the entirety of the clash, but Karanka insisted such decisions were taken for the greater good.

"These decisions are always made for the good of the team. The goal is that the people on the bench can help out," he said.

"The team played very well, even after the red card. At first, it was very tactical, then much more physical. We are happy because we got all three points."

The victory leaves Real in third place, 16 points adrift of league leaders Barcelona and unlikely to retain their La Liga crown.