If last time around Barcelona were "helped" by a friendly referee, this time it was Real Madrid's turn. Alvarez Izquierdo started off by ruling out a strike by Saviola for the positional offside of Saviola, but then he did likewise at the other end for the non existent offside of Kalu Uche. Soon afterwards he sent off Crusat for a foul on Saviola when a yellow card would probably have been enough, and then he turned down a fairly clear penalty appeal by Natalio after Metzelder brought him down in the area. Hard to believe that Alvarez is Catalan! (18.09.07)