In the match Real Madrid defeated Celta Vigo 5-2 (round 1/8 of the 2024/25 Spanish King’s Cup), referee José Munuera made a controversial decision to ignore a situation that could lead to a penalty in the match. first half. If he pointed at the penalty spot, the team that would advance would not necessarily be Real.
In the competition with Celta Vigo , Real led 2-0 but allowed the opponent to equalize 2-2 in the 90+1 minute. As a result, they had to play extra time to determine victory or defeat. During this period, Endrick (double) and Valverde scored 3 more goals to help the Spanish Royal team reach the quarterfinals.
Notably, right before striker Mbappe opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a left-foot kick from a tight angle, Celta Vigo midfielder Williot Swedber fell in the opponent’s penalty area after colliding with goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
However, referee Munuera instead took the whistle and allowed the match to continue. Thanks to that, Mbappe had the opportunity to perform an exemplary solo phase to help “White Vulture” break the deadlock.
Commenting on the sensitive ball involving Lunin and Swedber, former referee Iturralde Gonzalez opined: “It is very difficult for the referee to determine whether the Celta Vigo player took the initiative to fall, or whether Lunin made a mistake in his handling.” I personally believe that this was definitely a penalty. According to my observation, Lunin touched Swedber’s left leg with his right hand, but I don’t understand why the VAR team did not intervene card. Just give it The referee can’t see clearly, but there are others ready to support him.”
For his part, another former referee, Pérez Burrull, gave the opposite opinion: “I did not see clear contact between Swedber and Lunin, or if there was, it was not strong enough. Lunin’s gloves touched The ball landed more on Swedber’s foot. It seemed like Swedber tried to stop for a moment to wait for Lunin to foul him. If both Munuera and the VAR team thought that Lunin had not committed a foul, there was no need for the referee Go out on the field to review that situation again.”