VAR Conversation Released for Real Madrid vs Atletico Penalty Decision

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has made public the dialogue between the main referee and the VAR official from the Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid match (1:1) in the 23rd round of La Liga.

Cesar Soto Grado officiated the match, with Ricardo Bengoechea assisting as the VAR referee.

In the 35th minute, Soto Grado awarded a penalty to Atletico Madrid for a foul by Aurelien Tchouameni on Samuel Lino. Julian Alvarez successfully converted the spot-kick.

Bengoechea: “This action wasn’t captured very clearly, understood?”

Soto Grado: “Alright, he steps on him with his studs. Show me another angle. Let’s see if there’s a view from behind.”

Bengoechea: “This is the best quality, Cesar. The others are very blurry.”

Soto Grado: “Then I’ll award the penalty, but I won’t give him a yellow card. Just the penalty, okay?”

Following this match, Real Madrid leads the league table with 50 points, while Atletico Madrid is second with 49 points. Barcelona, with a game in hand, sits in third place with 45 points.