Real Madrid News
Mbappe penalty controversy explained: Why Marc Bartra’s movement did not lead to a retake
Real Madrid’s defeat to Real Betis came with a late penalty controversy, but the argument that Kylian Mbappe’s missed spot-kick should have been retaken does not stand up to closer examination.
With Real Madrid chasing an equaliser, Mbappe saw his penalty saved by Alvaro Valles.
Real Madrid fans immediately questioned whether the kick should have been retaken, pointing to Marc Bartra entering the penalty area before the Frenchman struck the ball.
There was another reason for the complaints, as Bartra was the player who ultimately cleared the rebound for a corner after Valles had made the save, meaning his movement appeared to have had a direct impact on the outcome.
Bartra entered the area, but…
As per Mundo Deportivo, the Betis defender did indeed cross into the box before Mbappe made contact with the ball. That much is clear.
But Bartra was jumping.
When Mbappe struck the penalty, the centre-back had not yet placed his feet back on the turf inside the penalty area. He was still in the air as he attempted to position himself ahead of the rebound.
That difference appears to matter because simply being over the line is not enough to establish the type of encroachment that would require the penalty to be retaken.
The defender’s position at the precise moment of the kick is what becomes decisive.
Bartra’s jump subsequently allowed him to arrive quickly enough to deal with the rebound.
Valles saved the penalty, and Bartra was then able to clear the loose ball before Mbappe could get another attempt away.
Why Mbappe’s penalty controversy has been overstated
The sequence is understandably frustrating from a Real Madrid perspective.
Bartra’s movement clearly influenced what happened after Valles stopped the penalty, and his clearance prevented Mbappe from having an immediate second chance.
That, though, does not automatically make the penalty invalid.
The important distinction is between Bartra entering the penalty area and Bartra being grounded inside it when Mbappe kicked the ball. In this case, the defender was airborne.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
