Real Madrid have almost double Barcelona’s penalties in La Liga this season | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s penalty count has become a talking point again after a stoppage-time spot-kick saw off Rayo Vallecano, with Kylian Mbappé converting as the club’s regular taker.

El Periódico Mediterráneo notes the debate has intensified. Madrid have been awarded 11 La Liga penalties this season, nine converted and two missed, and have faced only two against, with only Getafe conceding fewer, one. Barcelona and Girona have six each.

The sequence began on opening day against Osasuna, a 1-0 decided by Mbappé from the spot after he was fouled, described as clear though needless. Further awards followed against Levante, clear on Mbappé, then Villarreal, marginal on Vinicius, and Barcelona, a confusing VAR handball on Eric Garcia that Mbappé missed.

Against Valencia there was a VAR handball that Mbappé scored, then another award that Vinicius failed to convert, judged fairly clear. Girona’s came when Vinicius went down and Mbappé equalised, seen as the Brazilian leaving a trailing leg to draw contact. Sevilla’s was a straightforward trip on Rodrygo for 2-0.

Another against Levante brought the opener after what was viewed as a clear dive by Mbappé. A later visit to Villarreal produced a clear call for 0-2, again on the Frenchman. The late decision against Rayo, a rash challenge on Brahim, was contentious, and Rayo finished with nine men while protesting the nine minutes of added time.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo