Atletico director fires back at Barcelona complaints after Copa del R… — and more

Barcelona’s crushing 0-4 loss to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final has triggered a storm of reactions, and one of the most striking responses has come from a familiar face. 

Mateu Alemany, once a key sporting director at Barcelona and now holding the same role at Atletico Madrid, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the refereeing decisions in the match.

Given his past at the Catalan club, Alemany’s words carry added significance. He understands the internal environment at Barcelona and the way controversies are often handled at the club. 

Shots fired at Barcelona

Speaking recently, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Alemany made it clear that he was surprised by the direction of the discussion around the result. 

He suggested that the refereeing should not be the main talking point after such a heavy defeat.

“I find it curious that people are talking about the referees from Thursday’s game. I think that should be the least relevant thing. 

“In the other day’s match, there is only one action that is being questioned, which is an offside (in the goal that would have made it 4-1 in favour of Barcelona), and offsides, nowadays, are checked technologically. 

“It is objective and not open to interpretation,” he said.

What’s the context?

Barcelona were not happy with the refereeing decisions. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His comments came after Barcelona formally complained to the RFEF and the referees’ committee, expressing concern over what they believe is an inconsistent use of technology and a lack of unified criteria in key decisions. 

The club felt that several calls in the match went against them, not just the disallowed goal.

Alemany, however, insisted that the offside call was clear and left no room for debate. 

“If it’s offside, there’s no such thing as slightly offside. It either is, or it isn’t. The same thing happened to us last Sunday (against Betis, with a goal by Antoine Griezmann), when we were also called offside by a very small margin. 

“If it’s close, it’s offside. There’s nothing more to say,” he added.

It must be noted that Barcelona’s frustration was not limited to the disallowed goal. 

In fact, the club also pointed to the red card shown to Eric Garcia, arguing that VAR did not even review a similar challenge by Giuliano Simeone on Alejandro Balde. 

That difference in treatment has become another key part of their complaint.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. is entering an important phase of the season with renewed confidence. 

The Brazilian has noticeably raised his level in recent weeks, and his performances have once again placed him at the centre of Madrid’s attacking plans.

Away from the pitch, the 25-year-old recently appeared on Ibai Llanos’ YouTube channel (h/t AS), where he spoke about his life at Real Madrid, his role in the dressing room, and his experiences with the Brazil national team. 

Vinicius began by speaking about his happiness both professionally and personally, stressing that his life at Real Madrid gives him a strong sense of fulfilment.

“I’m very happy. Playing for Madrid, having the life I have, and my family makes me happy. Being happy on and off the pitch is the best thing,” he began saying.

On Ancelotti

He then turned his attention to the Brazilian national team and the impact of Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival as head coach. 

Vinicius made it clear that the Italian has brought a new mood to the squad.

Ancelotti and Vinicius have a special relationship. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“He has changed the face of the national team. We play better, we are happier and more relaxed. For me, his arrival is the best thing that has happened. He could be my grandfather.”

Vinicius even shared a light-hearted anecdote about their relationship.

“Every time he calls me, he tells me we’re going to win the World Cup. He’s already speaking Portuguese, he’s learning very quickly.”

The winger also spoke about the physical demands of his role and why fitness remains a top priority for him.

“I need my physique because I use speed a lot. We have to be physically and mentally perfect because we’re not always going to be technically where we want to be.”

Fame and mental health

Reflecting on fame, he admitted that life changed quickly after his rise at Real Madrid.

“When we are very young, we don’t learn how to be famous. I came out of nowhere to be famous and not be able to go out on the street. 

“The good thing is that people love you a lot, but the bad thing is the press and rival fans.”

To protect his mental health, he revealed that he sometimes distances himself from online criticism.

“You have to listen to everything, not just the good stuff.”

Vinicius also addressed the hostile atmospheres he often faces away from home, making it clear that he thrives under pressure.

“I love it. We train for these games. It’s in moments of pressure that the best players stand out, and at Madrid we’re ready.”

He also showed understanding for rival supporters.

“When I went to see Flamengo, they also booed the opposing players. Football ends when the game ends.”

On Mbappe and the dressing room

Vinicius pushed for Mbappe’s signing. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

One of the most revealing parts of the interview came when he discussed his role in Real Madrid’s major signings. 

He admitted that he personally pushed for the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

“Every summer I would write to him: ‘When are you coming?’. I acted as his agent. 

“I did the same with Bellingham. I want to play with the best to have a better chance of winning.”

Inside the dressing room, Vinicius said his closest relationships are with a small group of teammates, namely, Mbappe, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy.

“We spend more time with each other than with our families. We have to have a good relationship.”

Speaking about former teammates, he showed particular affection for Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.

“He’s my favourite. We understood each other with just a glance.“

And on the Croatian legend, he added, “He has something special that only he can have. I miss him a lot. He liked jokes, but he didn’t like to lose.”

Vinicius also admitted to one regret from his Real Madrid career, which is not playing with Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I arrived just when he left. I wish I could have played with him.”

Match against Benfica

Looking ahead to the Champions League tie against Benfica, he acknowledged the difficulty of playing in Lisbon and the motivation to respond after the earlier defeat. 

He also spoke about facing Jose Mourinho for the first time, stating, “He changed the history of the club.”

Finally, he recalled Real Madrid’s famous Champions League comebacks, describing the almost unbreakable belief inside the squad.

“We felt we were going to come back. Against City, we went into extra time knowing we were going to win. 

“When Joselu scored against Bayern, we didn’t even look at the scoreboard. We knew we were going to win before it was over.”

The Championship title race is reaching boiling point as Coventry and Middlesbrough meet in a clash that could end up deciding who tops the table come the end of the season.

Frank Lampard’s Coventry had a 10-point gap at the Championship’s pinnacle at the end of November but a serious dip in form - going on a run of just four wins in 13 league outings - has seen Boro not only close the gap but leapfrog the Sky Blues into first.

Rob Edwards’ defection to Wolves earlier in the season has hardly hampered Middlesbrough’s quest for promotion, with Kim Hellberg’s side currently flying off six wins on the bounce.

The visitors could extend their lead over Coventry to five points and open the gap between themselves and third to nine points if they win on Monday night, while Lampard will know his side could find themselves in a precarious position if they suffer another poor result, with Ipswich set to have two games in hand on them.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is Coventry vs Middlesbrough?

Coventry’s clash with Middlesbrough kicks off at 8pm GMT on Monday 16 February at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the UK can watch the game for free on ITV4 and streaming service ITVX, with coverage starting at 7:30pm. The game will also be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

Team news

Coventry have been boosted by the potential availability of Ephron Mason-Clark, who may return from a foot injury, while January arrivals Jahnoah Markelo and Frank Onyeka could make their debuts.

Middlesbrough’s Leo Castledine will face a late fitness check to see if he is ready to return to the squad, having missed Boro’s last two matches. Hellberg is still without longer-term absentees Alfie Jones, Alex Bangura, George Edmundson and Darragh Lenihan. January recruit Jeremy Sarmiento has been getting up to speed and may be involved after impressing in training.

Predicted line-ups

Coventry XI: Rushworth; Van Ewijk, Woolfenden, Latibeaudiere, Dasilva; Onyeka, Grimes; Sakamoto, Eccles, Esse; Wright.

Middlesbrough XI: Brynn; Brittain, Ayling, Malanda, Targett; Browne, Morris, Hackney; Whittaker, Conway, McGree.

Sixth-tier Macclesfield will be dreaming of more FA Cup magic as they welcome the second Premier League side of their fairytale run in Brentford to Moss Rose.

The National League North outfit pulled off arguably the biggest upset in competition history when they dumped out holders Crystal Palace in the third round, with Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts writing themselves into club and FA Cup folklore as the goalscorers that afternoon.

While the Silkmen would have fantasised about welcoming an English giant in the fourth round, they will nevertheless have the chance to stun another top-flight club, with the Bees needing to ensure they don’t suffer the same fate as their London rivals.

Brentford eased past the Championship’s rock-bottom side Sheffield Wednesday to get to this stage and come into the contest after taking points off Premier League leaders Arsenal on Thursday, potentially harming their title pursuit.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is Macclesfield vs Brentford?

Macclesfield’s clash with Brentford kicks off at 7:30pm GMT on Monday 16 February at Moss Rose.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the UK can watch the match on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 6:30pm. It can also be streamed on discovery+.

Team news

Macclesfield record goal-scorer Danny Elliott is ruled out for the season due to injury, meaning the onus will be on the heroes against Palace along with striker D’Mani Mellor to score the goals required for another miracle.

Brentford remain without Kevin Schade, who will be serve the final game of his suspension against the Silkmen. Josh Dasilva is nearing a return but is a doubt for the clash, while Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo remain sidelined with long-term problems.

Predicted line-ups

Macclesfield XI: Dearnley; Fensome, Heathcote, Menayese, Lacey; Edmondson; Duffy, Kay, Dawson, Buckley-Ricketts; Mellor.

Brentford XI: Valdimarsson; Hickey, Van den Berg, Pinnock, Henry; Jensen, Henderson; Donovan, Damsgaard, Nelson; Lewis-Potter.

Redemption for Scotland as they end England's unbeaten run, Ireland squeeze past improving Italy, and can anyone stop France?

Here are the main talking points from an enthralling second round of the Six Nations.

Scotland take chance to 'humble' England

There were questions asked of Scotland and head coach Gregor Townsend after the opening weekend defeat by Italy but you would struggle to find a more emphatic riposte than their 31-20 victory over England.

Scotland started brilliantly and never took their foot off the gas to hand Steve Borthwick's side a first defeat in 13 games and improve on their dominant recent record in Calcutta Cup games, having now won six of the past nine.

Speaking to the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, former Scotland international Johnnie Beattie said: "This was special. They were humbled last weekend in Rome and this time we had a chance to humble England here and came through.

"Everything that went wrong last week was righted. We fought and scrapped for everything. It was fully deserved and was a comprehensive Calcutta Cup win."

Beattie said Scotland have always had the capacity to win one-off games against top sides but must find more consistency.

"They've had these seminal moments but not put together a consistent run that would put them in a position to compete for a championship," he added.

"It's how consistently can you find ways to beat these top-level opposition and Scotland don't have the answer yet. Can you finish in the top three? There are some huge games. We have to back it up."

• 'Murrayfield pain will make England a better team'
• Error-strewn England flunk oldest Test at Murrayfield

Unlucky 13 for 'disjointed' England

England went into the game against Scotland looking for a 13th straight win and a first in Edinburgh since 2020, but were unable to cope with Scotland's energy and intensity.

They lost last week's hat-trick hero Henry Arundell to an early yellow card, which later became a red, and when they threatened to stage a comeback a chargedown on George Ford's drop-goal attempt led to Huw Jones' eighth try against England - the most of any player in the Six Nations era.

"Scotland were 20 points better not 11. They were comprehensive winners," ex-England scrum-half Matt Dawson told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

"In the cold light of day England were taken apart from minute one to minute 80. Scotland were miles better."

The loss was England's fourth in their past five Six Nations away matches and Dawson questioned their tactics.

"For me it wasn't so much about the kicking game. It was like if that's not working what else are you going to do? Scotland had done their homework and defended ferociously and England were getting no change out of it, so what's the tactic?" said Dawson.

"England didn't adjust accordingly. It was a masterclass from the Scotland coaching staff because England were nowhere."

Former England winger Chris Ashton told Rugby Special he felt England looked "disjointed" and there had been a "snowball effect" as errors mounted up.

"A lot of it was not being able to handle pressure. It was one thing after another so early in the game. England lost every battle," he added.

• Bewildering, bewitching, brilliant - Scotland's perfect day
• 'I felt guilty' - Tuipulotu says Scotland delivered for Townsend

Can anyone stop free-flowing France?

France are the only team still capable of a Grand Slam and the unbeaten Les Bleus put on another masterclass with a 54-12 win over Wales in Cardiff.

In a blistering display of speed, scything running and joie de vivre, France made 10 line-breaks in the opening 20 minutes on their way to scoring the most points they have racked up against Wales, surpassing the 51-0 win at Wembley in 1998.

An agile and mobile pack, allied with a magical backline playing with total freedom, the blue shirts were like a blur leaving Wales chasing shadows.

"You look at this France team and think, who stops them? They have it all," former Scotland back row John Barclay told Rugby Special.

Ashton said the French side could "score at will" and singled out winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey for praise.

"His all-round game is fantastic, he always seems so confident and does things not many players can," he added. "He's the go-to guy for France."

• Will anyone stop 'massive favourites' France in Six Nations?
• Six Nations fixtures, results, standings and how to follow on the BBC

Wales outclassed but 'there are some positives'

These are tough times to be a Wales fan. The hardest in living memory for a generation who grew up with regular Six Nations success and a team full of stars such as Sam Warburton and Alun Wyn Jones.

There are many issues at play in Welsh rugby, but by any measure, recent results are a complete horror show as Sunday's record loss to France made it 13 consecutive Six Nations defeats and a 10th straight loss at home in the championship.

It's now 1,072 days since their last Six Nations victory in March 2023 against Italy in Rome and 1,464 days since their last championship win at home against Scotland in February 2022.

It appears supporters are starting to vote with their feet. The attendance against France was 57,744, making it the lowest Six Nations crowd in Cardiff.

But speaking after the game on BBC One, former captain Warburton was encouraged by some parts of Wales' play and said they need to look at what went well such as the maul defence, line-out and the performance of Eddie James.

"Some aspects of the game went quite well, they weren't outpowered, they were outclassed with ball handling. There are some positives to take into next week," said Warburton.

"Looking at the small wins, there's no point kicking them when they're down. It has to be how can we get better from this point? Which young players look like they've got the mentality?

"We're not trying to solve this in one week, we're in this for a couple of years so let's all get tight and every week look for small improvements and move forward."

Jones said there had "definitely been green shoots".

"The effort was there but it's international rugby and you're going to be judged on results, but it was there from an effort standpoint," he added.

Ex-England captain Martin Johnson also offered words of encouragement.

"Wales can always play and score tries, they have good rugby players so you're never that far away and they can sit there thinking they've been smashed at home against a very good French side.

"But there will be some games coming up where they think we can win this."

• 'Heartbreaking, sad, disgrace' – Wales fans react to state of game
• Can people fall back in love with Welsh rugby?
• Wales still rugby nation despite struggles - Tandy

'Don't write them off' - can Ireland rediscover spark?

After losing to France in the opening round, Andy Farrell's side survived a scare against an improving Italy side fresh from a home victory over Scotland.

Ireland have won all 13 home games against Italy in the Six Nations but that 100% record came under serious threat.

Ashton told Rugby Special that Italy, who led at half-time, missed a wonderful opportunity to get a first victory in Ireland.

"It would have been a long 10 days for Ireland so Farrell would have been happy they got the win but Italy missed so many opportunities. They've got to be annoyed they didn't get the win," he told Rugby Special.

Farrell has a big decision to make before Saturday's match away at England after a difficult afternoon for starting fly-half Sam Prendergast, who was replaced by Jack Crowley, with the Munster man putting in a strong showing off the bench.

"It's hard for Ireland right now, they're in a funny place. They want success all the time and it's going to be hard for them at Allianz Stadium," Ashton told Rugby Special.

Barclay added: "They're not quite there but you don't write them off. They've got experienced British and Irish Lions and it's just small tweaks missing."

• Ireland 'able to back ourselves' in win - Farrell
• I think Crowley starts against England - Murray
• Italy captain Lamaro proud perception has changed