Barcelona have received an explanation from Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) regarding two disputed incidents involving João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde during their 2-1 El Clásico loss to Real Madrid.

Following a review of the footage, the refereeing authority concluded that the decision not to award Real Madrid a penalty for Balde’s handball was correct. However, it determined that Cancelo should have received a yellow card for his challenge on Real Madrid winger Yan Diomande.

According to Barca Universal on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the CTA discussed both incidents during its weekly Tiempo de Revisión programme after Sunday’s meeting at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Real Madrid claimed victory through two goals from Kylian Mbappé, but the result was accompanied by debate over several refereeing decisions. The CTA’s assessment has now provided further insight into how the officials interpreted the key moments.

The first controversy centred on Balde, whose arm came into contact with the ball inside Barcelona’s penalty area. Real Madrid players appealed for a spot-kick, but referee Martinez Munuera decided against awarding one.

After examining the incident, the CTA backed the referee’s judgment. The committee explained that the contact was accidental and Balde’s arm remained in a natural position. It therefore concluded that the incident did not meet the criteria for a punishable handball.

The assessment offered a different verdict on Cancelo’s challenge against Diomande during the second half. The Barcelona defender caught the Ivory Coast winger on the calf with his studs, prompting protests from Real Madrid players who believed the tackle warranted a straight red card.

Although the CTA considered the challenge reckless, it concluded that Cancelo had not applied excessive force or acted with the level of brutality required for a dismissal. Nevertheless, the committee stated that the defender should have been cautioned.

The refereeing authority also supported VAR’s decision not to recommend an on-field review, explaining that the challenge did not reach the threshold for a straight red card.

The findings therefore provide a mixed outcome for Real Madrid. Their penalty appeal was correctly rejected, but the committee acknowledged that Cancelo should have received a booking.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s victory has strengthened their position in the La Liga title race, leaving Barcelona with a reduced advantage of three points at the top of the standings. The result adds further significance to the early-season contest between the Spanish rivals.