Are Real Madrid Manipulating The Rules? Endrick's Penalty Win vs Espanyol Enrages Fans All Over

After his long-range stunner in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week, Real Madrid’s Endrick was thrown into the spotlight again, but for the wrong reasons this time around, as many raised concerns about the Brazilian’s penalty win for Real Madrid against Espanyol in La Liga last night.

Espanyol started off strong in the clash, as Joan García proved why he is an up-and-coming goalkeeper — until Vinícius Júnior got the Real Madrid scoring machine going.

Vinícius went off the bench to assist Rodrygo and score one of his own and Kylian Mbappé added a late penalty as Madrid topped a tenacious Espanyol 4-1 on Saturday.

After taking a comfortable 3-1 lead, it was in the 87th minute, Los Blancos were awarded a controversial penalty for a Carlos Romero foul on Endrick.

What was controversial about the foul though was that the replay showed that Endrick was fouled just outside the box.

The Brazilian is seen winning the ball right near the corner flag, making a run to brush past Romero, to ultimately fall well inside the box although the contact took place outside of the 18-yard box.

Ultimately, Real Madrid were awarded the penalty and Mbappe converted to make it 4-1 for Los Blancos.

But why did the penalty stand? Well, because the rules say so.

As per Law 12 of the Fouls and Misconduct Article (IFAB), “If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area and continues holding inside the penalty area, the referee must award a penalty kick.”

Since Romero initiated the contact outside the box, but continued to hold onto Endrick as he fell inside, the foul technically stands and hence, Real Madrid were in the right, despite many’s suspicions.

Madrid pulled to one point behind leader Barcelona before it plays at Villarreal on Sunday.

Bellingham had a scare when he fell awkwardly on his right shoulder in the first half, but after briefly being seen by a doctor on the sideline he went back on. Ancelotti said it did not look like the England midfielder was fine.

Unsurprisingly, Ancelotti said he was satisfied with the “well-rounded” performance.

(with agency inputs)