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Why Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid penalty was not ordered to be retaken against Real Betis
Priya Nambiar | September 5, 2026 4:06 PM CST

One explanation has now emerged online for the controversial call not to give Real Madrid a second penalty chance in the closing stages of their meeting with Real Betis on Friday.

For anyone who missed it, one of the first major flashpoints of the new La Liga season unfolded at La Cartuja a short while ago. After Real Madrid went a goal behind in stoppage time against Real Betis, Los Blancos were handed an opportunity to draw level from the penalty spot.

Kylian Mbappe took on the responsibility from 12 yards, but his tame attempt was comfortably saved by Alvaro Valles.

From there, Manuel Pellegrini’s side managed to scramble the ball away, ultimately condemning their star-studded opponents to their first defeat of the season.

Real Madrid, however, have since been left furious. Replays of Mbappe’s penalty appeared to show Marc Bartra — who eventually cleared the rebound — well inside the box at the moment the spot-kick was taken.

When the incident was waved on and no retake was awarded, Jose Mourinho’s players were understandably left stunned.

As mentioned above, though, clarity has since surfaced online over exactly why no retake was given. Marc Bartra’s foot was not actually in contact with the ground when Mbappe struck the ball towards the Real Betis goal.

Although the defender’s momentum had carried his body clearly into the area, the officials deemed that, because he was not touching the grass, he had not committed an offence under the CTA’s guidelines.


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