Atletico Madrid fans and insiders acknowledge that the club’s recent poor run is not solely the fault of referees, though there is clear unease about some decisions.
“Hear me out, Álvaro, there is contact with Djené, but for me it is not enough. If I make a mistake up there, the VAR should catch it.” Those were Mateu Lahoz’s words to Álvaro Morata after the forward was grabbed by the arm by Djené in the Atletico Madrid-Getafe match. Morata believed a penalty was obvious and should have been awarded, yet neither Lahoz nor the VAR at the second check indicated it. Morata has frustrated himself with officiating calls all season, and those inside Atletico understand that his situation is not typical. Simeone even disclosed that he spoke with referee Soto Grado during the Copa del Rey round against Real Madrid, noting the exchange was respectful and aimed at Morata’s lack of foul calls overall. Soto Grado later mentioned Militao’s foul on Morata, describing it in strong terms, but Morata remains convinced the decisions haven’t treated him fairly.
Morata: one penalty in 132 First Division appearances
Recently, Frans Guillens offered a surprising statistic through an electoral-backed source, highlighting that Morata’s First Division career, spanning Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, includes just a single conceded penalty across 132 appearances. The lone penalty came in the clash between Atletico Madrid and RCD Mallorca at the Metropolitano on July 3, 2020.
Atlético: the only club with zero penalties awarded in its favor
Adding another layer of frustration for supporters, Atletico is the only team in the league to have not benefited from a single penalty awarded in its favor after 20 rounds. This fact becomes even more striking when one considers that, according to Atletico Stats, Simeone’s side ranks fourth in the league for offensive plays, totaling up to 494 forays into the opponent’s penalty area. In response to a post-match question about this discrepancy, Simeone acknowledged that referees make calls when they deem it appropriate and noted that several unfavorable situations have affected his team this season. The recent 1-1 draw with Getafe featured a Correa effort that VAR reviewed but Lahoz did not initially award, while the referee did signal a handball by Saúl that would have given the visitors a different outcome.
Atleti reassesses themselves, while voicing unease
Goal has learned that Atletico Madrid leaders recognize the team’s standing is not simply a product of refereeing. They acknowledge their elimination from cup competitions and European tournaments were not caused by officials or their influence in critical moments. Yet, they remain puzzled by the lack of penalties in their favor after 20 league matches, especially given their status as a high-press, goal-heavy side. Morata’s ongoing misfortune in arbitration remains a persistent talking point for the club, with many within the squad and fanbase feeling that his treatment does not reflect his performance on the field.