Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick has stated that Real Madrid’s recent stumble in La Liga is of no concern to him, while also criticizing a key refereeing decision that went against his team in their Champions League semi-final first leg.
Speaking ahead of the crucial second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, Flick was asked about Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad, a result that damaged their domestic title hopes. “Real Madrid’s slip does not interest me,” Flick said bluntly. “We are only focused on our own performance. We know the quality they have and that they will be a completely different team at home.”
The German coach then shifted focus to the controversial moment from the first leg at the Allianz Arena, which ended 2-2. He specifically referenced the incident involving Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano and Real Madrid’s Martin Ødegaard. Replays showed that Ødegaard handled the ball inside his own penalty area during the first half, but referee Clément Turpin did not award a spot-kick to Bayern after a VAR check.
“The referee was wrong in the penalty decision on Martin,” Flick asserted, confirming his view on the non-call. The decision has been a major talking point since the match, with many pundits agreeing it was a clear handball offense.
With the tie finely balanced, Flick’s Bayern must now produce a result in Madrid to reach the final, with the manager insisting his team’s sole focus is on their own game plan and not their opponent’s recent form.
