Inaki Pena Outraged by Vinicius Jr Collision in Real Madrid Draw

Inaki Pena controversy took center stage as Elche’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Real Madrid was marred by a contentious incident involving Vinicius Junior and the Elche goalkeeper. The aftermath not only left Pena with a bloody nose but sparked debate over refereeing decisions, overshadowing what could have been a historic night for the newly promoted side.

Inaki Pena Left Bloodied After Vinicius Jr Collision

The match, played at Elche’s home ground, saw Real Madrid twice come from behind to salvage a late point. The moment that triggered outrage came in the 87th minute: Vinicius Jr, rushing in to contest a loose ball, collided knee-first with Inaki Pena’s face as the Elche keeper bravely dove to smother the danger. The impact sent Pena to the turf, blood streaming from his nose, but play continued. In the ensuing confusion, Madrid regained possession, and Jude Bellingham pounced on the rebound to make it 2-2.

Referee’s Decision Ignites Protests

Elche players immediately surrounded the referee, arguing that Vinicius Jr’s challenge was reckless and deserving of a foul. However, the official allowed the goal to stand, and VAR did not intervene. Pena, speaking just minutes after the match in a dazed state, initially called it a case of “bad luck.” However, the mood in the Elche camp was anything but calm.

Inaki Pena Controversy Intensifies Post-Match

It was only after viewing the incident from the dressing room that the Inaki Pena controversy deepened. The Elche shot-stopper reversed his earlier position, publicly stating, “He shoots, tries to go for the rebound, but on the second play he doesn’t let me participate because he knocks me out. For me, it is a foul, but if the referee goes to VAR and says it’s not a foul, there’s nothing we can do.”

This shift in Pena’s stance reflected the growing frustration within the squad. They felt robbed of a deserved victory and believed that key refereeing decisions—particularly those involving the Real Madrid equaliser—had cost them dearly.

Elche Manager Eder Sarabia Voices His Frustration

Elche manager Eder Sarabia openly criticized the officiating. He identified two pivotal moments: a missed foul in the lead-up to Madrid’s first equaliser and the collision between Vinicius Jr and Pena.

“Vinicius doesn’t touch the ball, it hits Pena in the face. It’s a clear foul,” Sarabia insisted during the post-match press conference. His annoyance was palpable, arguing that the two missed calls “conditioned the final result” and overshadowed Elche’s brave performance.

Elche’s Performance: Bravery Amidst Disappointment

Despite the late drama, Elche’s performance was impressive. The hosts led twice, pressed Madrid high, and showed composure in both attack and defense. Elche’s collective spirit—instilled by Sarabia—has been the hallmark of their La Liga return. Captain Pedro Bigas commented, “We feel in control, even against the biggest teams,” while striker Rafa Mir credited the team’s “freedom within structure” for their continued success.

After 13 matches, Elche sit 11th in La Liga—far exceeding preseason expectations and cementing their reputation as one of Spain’s most exciting promoted sides. Their organization and attacking efficiency have troubled every top-six team they have faced, including draws against Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, and Sevilla.

Looking Ahead: Can Elche Build on Their Momentum?

With upcoming fixtures against Girona, Mallorca, and Rayo Vallecano, Elche have the opportunity to consolidate their strong start. Sarabia remains committed to his philosophy: “Everything starts from bravery… we have an idea, and we will die with that idea.” The team’s resilience and tactical discipline suggest they are far from being mere survival candidates.

Inaki Pena Controversy Highlights Refereeing Challenges

The Inaki Pena controversy also reignites the ongoing debate about refereeing standards in La Liga. With VAR’s non-intervention drawing criticism, questions continue to swirl about consistency and player safety. For Elche, the sense of injustice lingers, but their ability to go toe-to-toe with giants like Real Madrid is a testament to their growth.

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Opinion: VAR Must Do Better for Fairness in Football

The Inaki Pena incident is a stark reminder of the fine margins that define top-level football. While physicality is part of the game, player safety cannot be compromised. VAR was introduced to prevent such controversies; when it fails to intervene in clear-cut situations, teams and fans alike are left wondering about its true impact. Elche’s frustration is justified, but their resilience and style of play suggest they will remain a compelling force in La Liga this season.