Referee Sparks Copa del Rey Controversy: Real Madrid's Lucky Penalty Or Masterclass In Hindsight?

Controversial Copa del Rey Penalty

In the 41st minute, Spanish referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernández awarded a penalty to Real Madrid, triggering anger from Talavera de la Reina during the Round of 32 in the Copa del Rey.

Talavera players protested, insisting defender Marcos Moreno did not deliberately touch the ball and that his arm was in a natural position close to his body.

Pavel Fernandez, a refereeing expert for Radio Marca, commented: "Marcos Moreno's arm is in a natural position, the arm was against the body, so it's not a clear foul."

The absence of VAR prevented Talavera from reviewing the incident, making the referee's decision final.

The penalty was converted by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé, scoring the opening goal for his team in the 42nd minute.

Note on the night: without VAR, cup ties can feel like a mystery dinner where the main course is a question mark.

Punchline 1: If refereeing were a sniper, tonight's hit list was the scoreline—you never saw it coming.

Punchline 2: And since VAR is on vacation, the only thing sharper than Mbappé’s finish was the whistle—watching the whistle evaporate like a mirage in stoppage time.