Raphinha and the penalty that the referees ignored: justice or error in the Las Palmas-Barça?

FC Barcelona recorded their fifth consecutive victory on Saturday against Unión Deportiva Las Palmas (0-2), on a day of hard work for Hansi Flick's team. The strong defensive work and rough play of the Canarians, under the watchful eye of the main referee, allowed Diego Martínez's team to keep the score tight until stoppage time. In the second half, the referees overlooked a hold that could have been called as a penalty.

In the 49th minute, Raphinha tried to finish a cross from Jules Koundé from the side, but Viti Rozada brought him down with a clear hold with his left hand. The Brazilian fell dramatically, but referee Adrián Cordero Vega did not call a penalty despite being in front of the play. Minutes later, the Cantabrian also turned a blind eye to two clear fouls on Pedri and Lamine. The midfielder was brought down by Álex Suárez, while the winger was clearly obstructed by Javi Muñoz and Essugo.

Cordero Vega and Del Cerro Grande 'ignored' the hold on Raphinha

In response to the complaint from the Barça captain, referee Cordero Vega ignored it and ordered the game to continue. From VAR, Del Cerro Grande also did not call his colleague, considering that Rozada's hold was very slight and Rafa exaggerated the fall. The most unusual thing of the day was that, in the 81st minute, there was indeed a VAR call to review a possible handball penalty by Eric García, although there was a clear offside by Álex Suárez prior to that, and additionally, the Canarian player also touched the ball with his hand beforehand.

Fortunately for Barça, both controversies faded into the background thanks to the stunning goal scored by Dani Olmo in the 62nd minute. For Raphinha, there was also personal revenge, with a great assist to Ferran Torres in the fifth minute of stoppage time that allowed the 'Shark' to score another spectacular goal that sealed the victory and the lead for the culés. Barcelona now has 54 points, one more than Atlético de Madrid and three more than Real Madrid, awaiting the 'merengues' match against Girona this Sunday.