Copyright pulsesports
A controversial former LaLiga referee believes Real Madrid were lucky not to concede a late penalty against Barcelona Former Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz has reignited controversy following Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clasico, claiming the officials were reluctant to penalise Dani Carvajal for a late challenge on Ronald Araujo. Lahoz insisted that the same incident would have been ruled a penalty in any other match, sparking heated debate across Spanish football circles. Lahoz’s explosive take on the Carvajal–Araujo incident The flashpoint came late in the second half when Araujo surged forward into the Real Madrid box to meet a cross, only to be barged off by Carvajal’s shoulder. Barcelona players immediately appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved play on, a decision that divided opinion across Spain. Lahoz, who officiated countless high-profile LaLiga fixtures during his career, explained in his post-match remarks. “The only reason Carvajal’s foul on Araujo wasn’t given a penalty is because it’s a Clasico. If it was any other game, that’s a pen,” he said, suggesting the magnitude of the fixture might have influenced the referee’s judgment. Replays appeared to show clear contact between the two players, with Araujo losing balance and falling, but VAR stayed silent, leaving many Blaugrana fans feeling robbed. Real Madrid take advantage as controversy overshadows their win Despite the refereeing debate, Real Madrid took the spoils in an entertaining contest that saw them extend their lead at the top of the LaLiga table. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring after an earlier goal was ruled out for offside, before Barcelona equalised through Fermin Lopez. However, Jude Bellingham once again proved decisive, tapping into an empty net to secure the winner and seal the victory for Los Blancos. The result gave Real Madrid their first El Clasico win of the season, snapping a streak of four consecutive losses against their fierce rivals.
