According to a report by Barca Universal on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Barcelona have received clarification from Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) regarding two controversial incidents involving João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde during their 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clásico.

After reviewing both incidents, the refereeing body 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.

The CTA examined the incidents during its weekly Tiempo de Revisión programme following Sunday’s encounter at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Real Madrid claimed all three points through a brace from Kylian Mbappé, but several refereeing decisions during the match sparked debate among players, supporters and football observers.

The first controversial moment involved Balde, whose arm made contact with the ball inside Barcelona’s penalty area. Real Madrid players immediately appealed for a penalty, but referee Martinez Munuera decided to allow play to continue.

Following its review of the footage, the CTA backed the referee’s decision, explaining that the contact was accidental and Balde’s arm remained in a natural position. The committee therefore concluded that the incident did not meet the requirements for a punishable handball offence.

However, the refereeing body reached a different verdict concerning Cancelo’s challenge on Diomande.

During the second half, the Barcelona defender caught the Ivory Coast international on the calf with his studs, prompting protests from Real Madrid players who believed the challenge warranted a straight red card.

Although the CTA acknowledged that Cancelo’s tackle was reckless, it concluded that the defender had not used excessive force or displayed the level of brutality required for a dismissal.

Nevertheless, the committee maintained that the Barcelona player should have been cautioned with a yellow card for the challenge.

The CTA also defended VAR’s decision not to intervene, explaining that the incident did not reach the threshold necessary for a straight red card. Consequently, the video assistant referee was correct not to recommend an on-field review for a dismissal.

The findings therefore offer Real Madrid a mixed outcome from the review. While their penalty appeal involving Balde was correctly dismissed, the committee acknowledged that Cancelo should have received a booking for his challenge on Diomande.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory has strengthened their position in the La Liga title race, leaving Barcelona with a three-point advantage at the top of the standings.