In a wild La Liga match that was marred by VAR controversy, Real Madrid came back to win 3-2 at home against bottom-place Almeria on Sunday thanks to a goal from Dani Carvajal in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

Largie Ramazani and Edgar Gonzalez gave lowly Almeria, who had lost their first 21 LaLiga games this season, a two-goal advantage in the first half.

However, following a protracted VAR assessment, Jude Bellingham’s penalty for a handball in the 56th minute cut the Real Madrid deficit.

A little while later, following yet another extensive VAR examination, Almeria’s Sergio Arribas attempt was disallowed by referee Francisco Maeso, who found that Almeria player Dion Lopy had violated the build-up by striking Bellingham in the face.

Five minutes later, Maeso awarded the goal after determining it was off the shoulder after another VAR review, having previously disqualified Real Madrid’s equalizer for a handball by Vinicius Jr.

As Real Madrid attempted a last-ditch effort nine minutes into extra time, Bellingham delivered a cross to Carvajal, who finished with a tap-in at the far post.

Ahead of Girona, who will visit Sevilla later on Sunday, Real moved up to the top of the La Liga standings with 51 points.