Madrid Universal
·21 September 2026
New footage reveals another potential penalty controversy in Real Madrid vs Atletico derby

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Yahoo sportsMadrid Universal
·21 September 2026

Real Madrid’s controversial derby defeat to Atletico Madrid has produced another refereeing talking point after footage of a potential Marc Pubill handball resurfaced on social media.
The incident involving the Atletico defender was not highlighted during the live broadcast, but a side-on replay circulating on Monday has sparked fresh discussion over whether Real Madrid should have been awarded a penalty.
It is to be remembered that the Madrid derby was already dominated by debate over the decisions involving Cristian Romero and Kang-in Lee, making this incident even more questionable.
As per MARCA, the incident occurred during the second half when Kylian Mbappe attempted to shoot from the left side of Real Madrid’s attack.
The ball travelled towards Pubill, who initially had both hands behind his back. As the shot approached, however, the Atletico defender appeared to bring his hands forward, with the ball striking him inside the penalty area.
As such, no penalty was awarded and the moment attracted little attention during the match itself, although it seems Real Madrid players did appeal for handball.
Moreover, the television broadcast did not show a replay, meaning the incident passed largely unnoticed until footage began circulating online after the game.
The available side-view angle has now prompted Real Madrid fans to question whether the handball should have been reviewed.

Match referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias was called out by Real Madrid for his officiating. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The Pubill incident comes after other refereeing decisions became major talking points during Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid.
Real Madrid had already questioned the handling of the incidents involving Romero and Kang-in Lee, with the latter escaping a red card after his challenge on Federico Valverde.
The Romero incident also required a VAR review after the wrong player initially received the yellow card.
Referee Ortiz Arias was already under scrutiny at the Santiago Bernabeu before the derby because of concerns surrounding his appointment for such a high-profile fixture, and this footage has only added to the debate among Madrid fans.