# La Liga penalty controversy involving Real Madrid > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/la-liga-penalty-controversy-involving-real-madrid > Updated: 2026-11-04T18:14:03.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Debates regarding refereeing impartiality in La Liga intensified following a controversial penalty awarded to Kylian Mbappe during Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Racing Santander. Historical statistics released by the league show that Real Madrid has recorded 601 penalties since 1929, more than Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Recent data indicates Real Madrid averages one penalty every 3.9 matches, compared to Barcelona’s average of one every 5.1 matches. The Spanish Referees Committee (CTA) labeled the specific incident a “clear and evident refereeing error,” stating that VAR should have intervened because the player positioned his arm forward without exerting force and the fall was not caused by contact. While Racing Santander’s coach criticized the ineffective use of VAR, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho described the decision as a “small penalty” and asserted that the team would have won the match regardless of the spot-kick. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-04: Real Madrid manager Mourinho addresses controversial Mbappe penalty Jose Mourinho admitted a penalty awarded to Kylian Mbappe against Racing Santander was marginal, after Spanish referees confirmed the decision was an error that VAR should have corrected. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-manager-mourinho-addresses-controversial-mbappe-penalty ### 2026-11-02: Real Madrid leads La Liga in historical penalty counts Historical La Liga statistics show Real Madrid leads with 601 penalties since 1929, sparking debate after a controversial call involving Kylian Mbappe. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-leads-la-liga-in-historical-penalty-counts --- Cite as: La Liga penalty controversy involving Real Madrid. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/la-liga-penalty-controversy-involving-real-madrid