Madrid has been awarded a thousand penalties like that – Joan Laporta tells Real not to complain after Osasuna defeat

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has urged Real Madrid to accept the refereeing decision that contributed to their 2-1 loss at Osasuna on Saturday, insisting Los Blancos have benefited from similar calls countless times.

The pivotal moment arrived when VAR intervened after match official Javier Alberola Rojas initially cautioned Ante Budimir for simulation. Replays showed Thibaut Courtois made contact with the striker, prompting the official to reverse his call and point to the spot. Budimir converted, completing a comeback that had begun with David García’s equaliser after Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring.

Speaking to radio station Cope, Laporta rejected suggestions that Madrid were hard done by. “Madrid has been awarded a thousand penalties like that,” he said. “For once they don’t get a penalty handed to them on a plate for some dive, they shouldn’t complain.”

The defeat leaves Carlo Ancelotti’s side temporarily atop La Liga on 81 points, but Barcelona can reclaim first place with a victory over Levante at Camp Nou later today.

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