Real has received 14 penalties in La Liga this season. Across 29 rounds, this averages out to one penalty awarded every two matches. This figure makes them the team with the most penalties across Europe's top five national leagues.
 |
Vinicius scored a penalty in Real's 3-2 win over Atletico in La Liga's round 29 on the evening of 22/3. Photo: Reuters |
Across Europe's five premier national leagues—La Liga, the English Premier League, Serie A, the Bundesliga, and Ligue 1—Bayern ranks second with 11 penalties. Borussia Dortmund and Barca are tied for third, each having received nine penalties. They are followed by Mainz, Valencia, and Brentford, all with eight penalties. Chelsea, Toulouse, Marseille, Pisa, and AC Milan each received seven.
Real utilized penalties to score the opening goal, equalize, or secure a victory in six matches this season. In contrast, Barca used penalties in four matches to achieve similar outcomes.
Real also leads in penalty differential, which is the difference between penalties awarded and penalties conceded, with a +10. Bayern follows with a +9 differential. Borussia Dortmund, Mainz, and Chelsea each have a +6 differential, while Barca sits at +5.
"Real's overwhelming statistics in penalties once again raise questions about potential bias from La Liga referees," stated Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo. This sentiment is echoed by many fans of rival teams, who have voiced strong protests on social media platforms. Some have even produced satirical videos, suggesting Real could be awarded a penalty for any contact, even outside the penalty box or involving players' personal lives.
The teams with the most penalties awarded in Europe's top five national leagues during the 2025-2026 season are: (The number in parentheses indicates the differential between penalties awarded and penalties conceded).
1. Real, 14 (+10)
2. Bayern, 11 (+9)
3. Borussia Dortmund 9 (+6), Barca 9 (+5)
5. Mainz 8 (+6), Brentford 8 (+1), Valencia 8 (+1)
8. Chelsea 7 (+6), Toulouse 7 (+3), Marseille 7 (+3), Pisa 7 (+2), Milan 7 (-1)
Thanh Quy (according to MD)
