Valencia defender Pablo Maffeo lashes out at referee in halftime interview after 0-2 first‑half loss to Real Madrid

Valencia left‑back Pablo Maffeo vented his frustration to microphones at halftime, branding the interview a "shit" after his side trailed Real Madrid 0‑2. The outburst came as the Merengues took the lead through Federico Valverde and followed it with a second goal from Yusuf Güler, leaving Valencia struggling to find a foothold in the first half.

The first goal was marred by controversy when the referee pointed to a foul on Maffeo involving Kylian Mbappé, a decision Maffeo later described as "not a foul" that directly conditioned the scoreline. The second strike arrived shortly after, further widening the gap and prompting the Valencia squad to regroup in the tunnel.

Maffeo, visibly irritated, told the presenter, "I don't want to do this interview at all, I think this interview is shit, it doesn't paint anything. We're playing a match, they're calling fouls that aren't there, but if we have to do the interview we do it, period." His blunt language underscored the team's disappointment with the officiating and the growing pressure on the bench.

He continued, "We need the referee to be a bit more fair, that's all. I don't think there was a foul for the first goal and that conditions us. Obviously we need to get into the opponent's area, we need more game, but I think the team is competing well." The defender's comments highlighted both his belief that the decision was erroneous and his assessment that Valencia's overall play remained competitive despite the deficit.

The half‑time analysis also touched on Valencia's tactical shortcomings. Maffeo admitted the side struggled to penetrate Real Madrid's defensive block, noting, "We are missing the ability to reach the rival box and create clear chances." The lack of forward momentum, he suggested, was as much a factor as the disputed refereeing.

While the club has not issued an official statement, Maffeo's remarks add to the growing chorus of criticism aimed at the match officials. The incident may prompt the Spanish Football Federation to review the decisions, especially given the high‑profile nature of the fixture and the media attention surrounding the defender's candid interview.