The Technical Referees Committee (CTA) has settled the controversy over the penalty in the Real Betis Balompié match against Real Madrid, backing the refereeing and ruling out a retake. Three days after the game at La Cartuja, the body published its analysis in its 'Review Time'. The CTA determined that Marc Bartra did not commit any infringement when Kylian Mbappé took the penalty saved by goalkeeper Rui Silva.
What did the CTA say about Bartra's position?
The CTA thoroughly examined the action of the Betis defender. In its report, the committee detailed Bartra's exact position at the moment of the kick. "En el momento del pateo del balón, Bartra tiene un pie en el aire y otro en contacto con el suelo," the CTA stated. The body applied IFAB rules to assess whether the player had entered the penalty area prematurely.
The conclusion was clear. The foot Bartra kept on the ground was not inside the penalty area or the semicircle. Therefore, the CTA affirmed the penalty should not have been retaken. The committee also praised the work of referee Hernández Hernández and VAR official Iglesias Villanueva for making the correct decision during the match.
How did José Mourinho react to the call?
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho had questioned the decision in his remarks ahead of a Champions League match. The Portuguese coach linked his team's defeat to that specific incident. "Perdimos con el Betis, porque no traducimos en goles la producción ofensiva que el equipo ha tenido. Pero el penalti..." Mourinho asked. His words suggested doubts over whether the VAR had ignored the infringement or was unwilling to intervene.
The CTA's analysis thus serves as a technical response to the Madrid manager's criticism. The committee has made it clear that, according to its interpretation of the laws, there was no refereeing error to correct.
What is the context for Betis as this news breaks?
This controversy is resolved as Real Betis Balompié prepares for its next La Liga fixture. Manuel Pellegrini's team currently sits fourth in the table, with 9 points from four games. Their record is three wins and one loss, with a recent run of form reflected in the WLWW sequence. In overall numbers, Betis has scored 5 goals and conceded 5, maintaining a zero goal difference.
The Verdiblancos are three points behind leaders Barcelona. The next challenge comes this weekend with a trip to the Cerámica to face Villarreal, who are currently battling in the lower reaches of the standings. Full schedule details can be checked on our fixtures page.
What does this mean for the rest of the season?
The ratification of the refereeing decisions closes a chapter and allows Betis to focus solely on sporting matters. The team must maintain concentration in a season where the fight for European places looks very tight. To follow the team's progress in the standings, fans can visit the standings page.
The squad, which is showing good performance in the early stages of the campaign, now faces a key phase before the next international break. The match against Villarreal on September 14 represents an opportunity to secure three important away points and consolidate the strong league start.
