Mario Mandzukic clears Dani Carvajal of biting him
By Kris Whelan
Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic has cleared Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal of biting him during yesterday’s Champions League quarter final
The first leg of the Champions League quarter final between Atletico Madrid and rivals Real Madrid on Tuesday was rife with bad tackles and skirmishes off the ball. One of the bigger incidents involved the Croatian striker Mandzukic in a tussle with Real Madrid‘s Dani Carvajal.
It seemed to be a clear cut case of Carvajal reacting to Mandzukic holding him by biting his arm before punching him in the chest.
The victim of the apparent attack didn’t see it that way apparently. Mandzukic has come out and vindicated his opponent, stating that though it was a tough game for everyone he didn’t think there was any controversy.
"“Yesterday’s match was very hard and both teams gave everything, but for me there was no controversy, no bite, or anything,” – Mario Mandzukic"
If he didn’t get bit then fair play to the Croatian for coming out and saying so. However every time I look at the incident I’m convinced that he was bitten. Obviously he knows better than I, but is there a chance he’s just being a stand up guy? Something that’s very rare in the world of soccer.
The incident in question was probably the biggest talking point of a game that finished 0-0 on the day. There were several shooting opportunities throughout the game, mainly for Real Madrid but they failed to capitalize on them. The game is finely poised for the return lef between the arch rivals, with both teams desperate to gain qualification to the semi finals.
Even though the second leg is in Real Madrid’s home stadium, I feel as though Atletico have the upper hand to qualify due to the fact that Madrid failed to secure an away goal. Atletico haven’t lost to Real Madrid in seven encounters this year, so momentum is definitely with the red and white despite the fact they are behind Real Madrid in La Liga.
One thing is for sure and that’s the fact we are all in store for a fantastic game when the second leg of the quarter final rolls around.
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