Machin: Vinicius' potential 2nd yellow card was clearer than the penalty appeal

Pablo Machin has claimed that Vinicius should have been sent off for a second yellow card after his challenge on David Lopez in the first half of Espanyol's game against Real Madrid.

The Espanyol coach was asked about the controversial decisions, another of which was a potential penalty that wasn't awarded.

"I prefer to focus on tactical aspects," he said at the post-match press conference.

"It is unquestionable that when assessing refereeing criteria everyone has their own opinion, but we would like it to be more homogenised.

"When you are down at the bottom it can also be because of these details that have not favoured you.

"It wouldn't have been an issue had they blown for a penalty.

"The second yellow card to Vinicius is more evident and clearer.

"There are many who will think that it could have been the second yellow."

Machin refused to comment on rumours concerning a loan deal with Real Madrid over Brahim Diaz.

"For me, the reinforcements are what I have now," he continued

"Everything else is for the technical directors."

The 44-year-old coach was satisfied by his team's performance in the 2-0 defeat at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, although his players couldn't manage to score a goal.

"The reality is that we have not been able to score, but we set targets to move forward and we have met many today," he noted.

"We looked them in the eye and carried out the plan in a fairly dignified way.

"But to create danger against Real Madrid we have to be effective and we were not.

"We have changed the image."