Barcelona president Joan Laporta has branded Real Madrid's defeat of Almeria on Sunday a "DISGRACE".

After going 2-0 down, Real won 3-2 thanks to the intervention of VAR three times.

In response, Laporta stated at the Mundo Deportivo Grand Gala last night: "I think the refereeing team has to respond to a series of pressures that have occurred throughout the season and if they don't respond to us they leave us very uncomfortable.

"We could have recovered points from Real Madrid, but it was not possible due to the decisions of the referee and VAR. What we saw at the Bernabeu is a disgrace."

Laporta then focused on the Blaugrana after the victory over Betis.

“The team is improving, they feel stronger and more confident, there is more unity in the dressing room, we are also recovering the injured.

"I am very optimistic because I see how the team is fighting day after day to stay in the running in all competitions and try to win."