'It was a clear, clear penalty': Koeman rages at referee after Barcelona lose Clasico to Real Madrid

A furious Ronald Koeman raged against the referee for not awarding Barcelona a penalty in their 2-1 Clasico defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday. The Catalans had two late penalty claims as they chased the game at a rain-sodden Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, with substitute Martin Braithwaite going to ground both times after challenges from Ferland Mendy. The setback keeps Barca third in a three-way race for La Liga, a point behind Madrid and leaders Atletico. "If you're a Barcelona fan and you saw this game you'd be very annoyed with two of the referee's decisions. It was a clear, clear penalty and then he only gave four minutes of stoppage time," the Dutch coach told Spanish network Movistar. Koeman struggled to contain his anger, ending his post-match interview early after asking the Movistar reporter his thoughts on the second challenge. "Once again we just have to accept it and shut up," he added. Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos had put Real two goals up before half time, with Oscar Mingueza netting for Barca on the hour mark. Lionel Messi hit the post from a corner in the first half while a shot from Barca substitute Ilaix Moriba came off the bar in the last minute of added time. "In the first half we didn't play well in attack or defence," conceded Koeman. "We were better in the second and all I ask is that the referee makes the right decisions." Real coach Zinedine Zidane said it was unfair to say his side had only won because of the penalty call. "We should be very happy with our performance and you cannot say it was all down to the referee, we deserved the win," he said. "If the referee says it wasn't a penalty it's because it wasn't one. The important thing from our point of view is what we did on the pitch. We made an excellent start then suffered a bit because Barca are a great side but we had a lot of chances to score the third goal. In the end the win was well deserved." With Atletico stumbling and both Barca and Real Madrid hitting their stride, this game looked set to define, if not the title, then who would become favourites to be crowned champions in May. The result was a riveting contest at a rain-soaked Alfredo di Stefano stadium - certainly one of the most exciting Clasicos in years - that saw both teams squander numerous chances, several efforts come back off the woodwork and Casemiro sent off in extra time. With the last play of the game, Barcelona substitute Ilaix Moriba rattled Real Madrid's crossbar. "We're still in it," said Barca coach Koeman. "We've lost a game against a team who is also fighting for the league but we have eight game left and we will fight to the end." Casemiro's red card in the 90th minute for a late challenge on Barca goalscorer Oscar Mingueza had also given Messi a free-kick and the chance for a dramatic equaliser but instead the Argentinian made it seven games now without a goal against Real Madrid, with many wondering if his 45th Clasico will be his last.

'It was a clear, clear penalty': Koeman rages at referee after Barcelona lose Clasico to Real Madrid

Barca boss fumes after referee ignores two claims by substitute Martin Braithwaite