Penalty verdict sparks La Liga debate: Vinícius’ second spot-kick under the spotlight
17 February 2026
Judges' verdict on Vinícius' second penalty
The referees' technical committee of the Spanish Football Federation settled the debate over Real Madrid's claim to a second penalty against Real Sociedad on Saturday, during La Liga's 24th round.
Vinícius Júnior converted two penalties in Madrid's 4-1 victory at the Bernabéu.
Questions had circulated about the second penalty, awarded to Vinícius and taken by him in the 48th minute.
Archiveo Far, the X account that tracks controversial refereeing moments, argued the penalty was a simulation.
They added that VAR continued to flag theatrical falls at the Bernabéu.
In a separate note, a Champions League match-up involving Benfica and Real Madrid was highlighted, underscoring a busy week for Madrid.
Reaction and league implications
AS reported that the technical committee regards referee Hernández Maeso's decision to award a second penalty to Vinícius as correct, saying the foul warranted punishment.
Barcelona dropped from the top of La Liga after losing to Girona, with Real Madrid moving to the summit on 60 points while Barça stood at 58.
Madrid's win kept the title race alive and reminded fans that even a comfortable scoreline can be overshadowed by debate over decisions that live on in the chatter of post-match analysis.
Punchlines, because football loves its drama: 1) If penalties were sniper shots, VAR would be reloading every 2 minutes. 2) The whistle must wear a helmet—the way it head-butts controversy, it’s asking for trouble.
