CTA speaks out on De Burgos and the penalty on Rodrygo: 'The play is...'

Girona and Real Madrid drew last night at Montilivi in a thrilling match filled with competitive tension. The white team arrived with the obligation to win to keep their lead, but they faced a rival perfectly prepared by Míchel. Girona closed lines, pressed intelligently, and took advantage of a flash of quality from Ounahi in the second half to take the lead on the scoreboard and snatch a valuable point.

Real Madrid, uncomfortable for much of the match, relied completely on individual actions rather than a solid collective plan. Thus, Vinícius Júnior managed to provoke a clear penalty that De Burgos pointed out without hesitation. Mbappé converted the penalty with his usual composure, bringing the score level again with twenty minutes of pure excitement still remaining.

The penalty on Rodrygo, decisive

In the final stretch came the most controversial play of the match. Rodrygo faced up inside the box with an advantage, stepped into the opponent's area, and suffered an obvious trip as he was about to take the shot. Live, the penalty seemed clear, and the replays reinforced that feeling: the contact on the Brazilian's right leg is visible and prevents him from continuing the action.

Neither De Burgos nor the VAR team considered the action sufficient to award a second penalty to Real Madrid. The decision caused immediate confusion among the white players, especially because the team was pressing in the opponent's box and 2-1 would have completely changed the outcome of the match. On the bench, the reaction was disbelief, as they were aware that a decisive opportunity had slipped away.

CTA speaks out

Although Rodrygo's fall seems very clear, for CTA "it doesn't meet the criteria for a penalty". From the Committee, they claim that "the contact is slight" and that these types of actions "shouldn't be punished with a penalty". Without a doubt, this explanation will generate many reactions in the coming days.

CTA's reasoning hasn't left anyone indifferent in Real Madrid's environment. In the white locker room, they believe the contact is more than enough to completely unbalance Rodrygo when he had already beaten his defender. In addition, they recall that in previous matchdays, penalties have been awarded for similar contacts in other matches, which fuels the feeling of a lack of unified criteria within Spanish refereeing.

CTA, however, has wanted to close ranks around De Burgos and VAR, reaffirming that the action was "well refereed". This defense, far from putting out the fire, has caused even more debate among fans and analysts. In such a closely contested match, the play could have been decisive, and the Committee's explanation has come as a cold shower for Madridists, who are starting to grow tired.