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Melero López awarded a penalty in favor of Real Madrid in the first half, when the whites were already trailing (0-1) after Borja Mayoral’s goal. However, following a VAR room call, the referee changed his decision, in an uncommon situation in LaLiga EA Sports.
Real Madrid was licking their lips when, in the 23rd minute, the referee awarded a penalty in favor after a bicycle kick and subsequent fall of Jude Bellingham in the box following contact with Aleñá, who touched the British midfielder below the knee.
Melero López revisó la acción sobre Bellingham y revocó su decisión tras señalar penalti en primera instancia. #LALIGAEASPORTS #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/hymj3n62VO
— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) September 2, 2023
However, even though VAR does not usually interfere with referees’ interpretations in awarding penalties, the VAR room called Melero López to review the incident. In this case, the officials believed that Bellingham was already falling to the ground before Aleñá’s contact, and therefore, the referee canceled the penalty kick from the eleven meters.
