Penalty calls in favor of Real Madrid completely eclipse those in favor of Barcelona this season | OneFootball

This season has been one that had a lot of highs for Barcelona, but some moments of weakness as well. Despite their amazing start to the season across all competitions, Hansi Flick’s side definitely began to struggle in La Liga. Due to some poor results, Barcelona ended up losing their advantage at the top of the table.

While most of the blame for that should always go towards the team and coach, given that they failed to win their games regardless of other factors, there definitely are other elements to point out as well. One such element is undoubtedly the rather controversial refereeing decisions that have gone against Barcelona.

Interestingly, however, it is ironic to see La Liga rivals Real Madrid be the side that is complaining about the current situation of referees in the Spanish First Division. In fact, according to Mundo Deportivo, Los Blancos are the side that has benefited the most thanks to the current state of referees and VAR in the league compared to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

This season, Real Madrid is the only team in La Liga not to have a single penalty called against them. Simultaneously, they are also the side that has had the most penalty calls awarded to them with ten, and that has directly contributed to the Madrid-based outfit getting some extra positive results.

Barcelona, on the other hand, has been far less fortunate or favored. With only four penalties awarded, and three conceded, the Catalan club only has a positive record of +1 when it comes to penalties in favor and those given against the team.

Similarly, Atletico Madrid has not had the same kind of fortune as their city rivals either. They have only had two penalties awarded to them, and have conceded two penalties as well at the same time. With a true balance of the two, it is safe to say that there is only one team among the current top three sides in La Liga that has benefited the most from refereeing decisions.

In fact, since the introduction of the technology in 2018-2019, Los Blancos have been awarded 51 penalties and have conceded 30. Barcelona, on the other, has been awarded 43 penalties in that same time period while having conceded 25.