The controversial penalty in Real Madrid vs Girona is the key topic of discussion following the result of a close tie that might define the LaLiga championship. Real Madrid CF lost critical points, yet the greater controversy is a refereeing decision made towards the end of the game.
Kylian Mbappé seemed to be hit in the elbow within the penalty area in the last minutes. The decision was not handed out as a punishment and this was immediately protested by the Madrid players. It was thought by many that it was a foul that could have altered the outcome.
The match itself was a blow to the title aspirations of Madrid. The missed points are even heavier this time around as FC Barcelona moves up the table. But this was an additional frustrating experience to an already disappointing result.
Tactically, Madrid was unable to put their opportunities into practice. Girona was well organized and disciplined in the entire game, curbing clear cut opportunities. However, controversy has taken the focus out of the performance as a whole.
Refereeing decision has been known to shape up close title races. Madrid feel unfairly deprived of an important opportunity to obtain all three points in this case. These can be moments that can change not only one game, but the tide of a season.
In the case of Girona, the outcome is a survival against one of the most powerful teams in the league. To Madrid it is a question of finishing, a question of fortune.
The pressure is mounting, as the season enters its decisive phase. It remains yet to be determined whether this incident will turn out to be expensive in the end standings, but it has already made the title race story even more dramatic.
