Atlético: Key Match and a Controversial Referee
This Saturday, Atlético faces Athletic in a crucial match at the Metropolitano. However, the referee appointment has generated controversy. Gil Manzano, a referee with a complicated history for the Colchoneros, will be in charge of directing the match.
In the Rojiblanco dressing room, they do not hide their discomfort over previous appointments, recalling tense episodes and decisions that have harmed the team. The numbers are not in their favor: Atleti has lost its last four league matches with Gil Manzano, without even managing to score a goal.
The history between Gil Manzano and Atlético is marked by controversy. In a match against Athletic in the 21-22 season, protests and yellow cards were the protagonists. Players like Savic and Carrasco publicly expressed their frustration over the lack of dialogue with the referee.
Over the years, Gil Manzano has sent off several Atlético players, including Correa at the Bernabéu and the remembered expulsion of Diego Costa at the Camp Nou. In total, Gil Manzano has shown six red cards to Atlético players in 36 matches. The balance of results is also not favorable for the team, with a 31% defeat rate in matches directed by this referee. Undoubtedly, a factor that adds pressure to the already important match on Saturday.
