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Mbappé wins controversial penalty to spark Real Madrid at Santander

Kylian Mbappé converted a disputed penalty in the 11th minute to open the scoring as Real Madrid won away at Racing de Santander on Sunday. The referee's decision, not overturned by VAR, sparked a wave of criticism in Spain.

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Mbappé wins controversial penalty to spark Real Madrid at Santander
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Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 11th minute during Real Madrid’s away trip to Racing de Santander on Sunday, in a Liga match marked by an immediately contested refereeing decision.

Footage shows Italian midfielder Matteo Prati making contact with Mbappé around the chest area, but the French striker went down theatrically, casting doubt on whether genuine contact occurred. The referee awarded the penalty, and VAR did not intervene to overturn the decision. Mbappé converted the spot kick himself to score his 12th Liga goal this season, seven behind Raphinha, the league’s current top scorer with 15 goals.

On social media, Spanish supporters widely denounced a piscinazo — the established term in Spain for a dive or simulation. “Mbappé’s dive. Another one, but we always whistle it. What a shame”, “Mbappé is very good at diving” and “Is this a hidden camera penalty for Mbappé?”: reactions poured in across multiple languages on X.

Real Madrid did not take long to extend their lead. Jude Bellingham doubled the advantage in the 21st minute from an assist by Arda Güler, before a third goal, scored by Yan Diomandé with a strike from twenty metres, sealed the win in the 36th minute.

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