Martinez Munuera, Real Madrid referee
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
It has been almost a decade since VAR was introduced in the Spanish top flight, but the controversies simply do not seem to stop.
Clubs have constantly debated the inconsistencies of decisions made using technology and whether it actually adds something positive to the game.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid have had 42 goals overturned by VAR since the technology was introduced in La Liga, more than any other club in the competition.
Madrid lead the ranking by a considerable margin, with Barcelona having just 19 goals disallowed through technological intervention.
Real Madrid comfortably lead VAR statistics
Since VAR’s introduction in the 2018-19 season, referees have initially awarded 42 Madrid goals that were subsequently ruled out following video reviews.
Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are joint second with 22 each, followed by Celta Vigo, Real Sociedad and Sevilla with 20 apiece.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Vinicius thought he had scored against Villarreal only for it to be chalked off after a VAR review. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Barcelona sit seventh with 19, meaning Madrid have experienced 23 more VAR goal reversals than their biggest rivals.
The figures cover eight completed seasons and the beginning of the current campaign. Madrid’s latest disallowed goal came during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal.
Vinicius Junior appeared to double the hosts’ advantage, but VAR identified an earlier incident in the same move in which the Brazilian pulled defender Nathan Saliba’s hair.
Referee Isidro Diaz de Mera reviewed the footage on the pitchside monitor, cancelled the goal and sent Vinicius off.
The numbers need greater context
The numbers are striking, but they do not necessarily tell the complete story about Real Madrid or the quality of Spanish refereeing.
One important factor to consider when interpreting these numbers is Los Blancos’ attacking style.
Over recent seasons, Madrid have frequently relied on quick transitions, exploiting space behind opposition defences through explosive forwards such as Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo.
Players making repeated runs beyond the defensive line are naturally more exposed to marginal offside decisions, particularly when attacks depend on perfectly timed passes at high speed.
That does not mean every disallowed Madrid goal involved offside. However, the team’s direct attacking approach offers a plausible explanation for why such situations might arise more frequently.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
What Madrid are asking for is consistency across refereeing decisions. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Madrid also create numerous attacking opportunities, making raw totals less informative without comparing disallowed goals against total goals scored and the reasons behind each VAR intervention.
VAR corrections do not settle Madrid’s refereeing concerns
These VAR decisions also do not answer Madrid’s growing concerns with the consistency of refereeing decisions in La Liga.
Madrid’s complaints concern the application of VAR in different games under similar circumstances, not simply the merits of individual decisions.
The Villarreal incident offers a clear example of VAR correcting an initial decision, but it does not explain why it did not punish Stole Dimitrievski in a similar situation against Vinicius.
There is a lot that needs to be addressed in La Liga, both in terms of on-field refereeing and the use of VAR.
It remains to be seen whether Madrid’s repeated complaints force the federation to improve the standards in La Liga and how the situation pans out through the course of the season.
Endrick, Real Madrid player
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Endrick as the Brazilian forward’s future at Real Madrid becomes increasingly uncertain, with a potential January loan move emerging as a solution to his lack of regular playing time.
According to Bernabeu Digital, Manchester United are making a final push to convince the 19-year-old to join them.
However, negotiations could prove complicated because the Premier League club is interested in including a purchase option in the deal, while Real Madrid are not currently planning to give up permanent control of the striker.
Endrick’s limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season have opened the door to a temporary departure, with AC Milan and Tottenham also emerging as potential destinations.
Why Manchester United want Endrick?
Endrick of Real Madrid
Manchester United are pushing to sign Endrick this January. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Manchester United are looking for greater attacking productivity and believe Endrick could provide a different dimension to their forward line.
The Premier League club has also been linked with the Brazilian in the past, as they assess options to improve their goalscoring output after a poor start to the season.
Notably, his situation at Real Madrid makes a move more plausible, as Endrick has struggled to secure consistent minutes, and the club is considering a loan that would give him the chance to play regularly.
However, United’s preferred terms could become the biggest obstacle.
The English side reportedly wants the option to buy Endrick at the end of the loan, potentially giving them a route to a permanent transfer if he impresses.
Real Madrid reject permanent Endrick exit
Endrick of Real Madrid
Real Madrid do not want to sell Endrick permanently. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s preference is understood to be a straightforward loan without a purchase option.
The club want Endrick to gain experience elsewhere before returning to compete for a place in the squad, rather than risk losing a young forward they have invested in for the future.
His previous loan spell at Lyon provides a possible model for another temporary move, although any agreement would depend on the terms offered and the player’s own preferences.
Manchester United are prepared to make an attractive financial proposal in an effort to secure his arrival, but money alone may not resolve the disagreement if Real Madrid remain unwilling to include a purchase clause.