Figo explodes after sending-off triggers Real defeat

Real Madrid midfielder Luis Figo has launched a fierce attack on referee Alfonso Perez Burrull after he was sent off in Sunday's 2-1 defeat by arch-rivals Barcelona.

""He was arrogant and didn't give anything in our favour," the Portugese international told reporters. "I want the referees to blow for what they actually see, not for what they want to see."

With the score at 1-1 midway through the second half the former Barcelona winger was sent off after picking up a second booking for a reckless challenge on defender Carles Puyol.

Until then Barca had been on the ropes but Figo's dismissal paved the way for Frank Rijkaard's side to take control.

Barca snatched their first victory at the Bernabeu in more than six years when Xavi clipped the ball over Real keeper Iker Casillas following a brilliant lofted pass from Ronaldinho four minutes from time.

Figo's outburst is an indication of the tension at Real after a month of disappointments at a club expected to sweep all before it this season.

A surprise 3-2 extra-time defeat in the King's Cup final by Real Zaragoza on March 17 was quickly followed by a shock exit from the Champions League against Monaco.

Real have frittered away an eight-point lead in the Primera Liga and now trail Valencia by a point at the top of the table.

To make matters worse they have lost their last two games at the Bernabeu and Barcelona have closed to within four points of them in the standings.

Real benefitted from controversial refereeing decisions to scrape a 1-1 draw against Valencia earlier in the season and to edge a 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid last week.

Now they fear they might pay the price in the title run-in.

"We are suffering because of that penalty we were given in the last minute of the Valencia match," said Figo.

"From that day the referees have been scared and are giving everything against us. They are deliberately going against us in nearly every game."

With four games to go Valencia, who were held to a 1-1 draw at fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, lead the table on 70 points, one ahead of Real and five clear of Barca.

Real travel to play Champions League semi-finalists Deportivo Coruna next weekend, Valencia host Real Betis and Barca entertain city rivals Espanyol.