Rodri Hernández does not accept the story that Spanish officials are working against Real Madrid. Speaking on El Partidazo de COPE, Barcelona’s summer signing said the complaints coming out of the Santiago Bernabéu after last weekend’s derby defeat were doing more damage to the game than any missed call could.

“I think this damages football. We should try to avoid this type of discourse, because football is bigger than that,” Rodri told the programme.

Real Madrid lost 2-1 to city rivals Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on 20 September, reduced to ten men after a Dean Huijsen red card. Their broadcasters and officials spent much of the following week questioning the officiating.

Rodri, who left Manchester City for the Camp Nou this summer, did not deny that referees make mistakes in individual matches. What he refused to accept was that those mistakes add up to a bias.

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“Referees may make mistakes in a match, but their mistakes cannot be compared with a full season of 38 matches. Saying that the referees want Barcelona to win the league harms football a great deal,” he said in comments carried by Goal.

Atlético ‘deserved it’

Asked about the derby itself, Rodri sided with the winners.

“From a footballing perspective, it was an even match, but I think Atlético Madrid were better. They had more presence on the pitch, made better decisions and controlled the game.”

He did concede one flashpoint could have gone the other way, referring to the Kang-in Lee challenge on Federico Valverde.

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“Perhaps in the Kang In incident, which I do not believe was intentional, a red card could have been shown.”

The move Madrid tried to make

Rodri also confirmed in his own words, for the first time, that Real Madrid had actively pursued him before he chose Barcelona.

“Real Madrid showed a great deal of interest in signing me from the very first moment. Their approach was perfect and their offers were aimed at completing the deal.”

“That made my decision more difficult.”

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Asked directly whether he had spoken with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, the midfielder would not answer.

“Did I talk to Florentino? I’m going to keep that to myself.”

On why he ended up at Barcelona, Rodri said the call was sporting.

“My decision was more about football: where I could grow and contribute most, lead a team full of young guys, and with the way I understand the game. There were no sentimental issues, no money issues.”

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Barcelona announced the signing from Manchester City on 18 August, with Rodri under contract through 30 June 2030.

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