José Mourinho used his Real Madrid press conference ahead of the trip to Elche to question why journalists had not raised the penalties awarded to Barcelona and Atlético Madrid over the weekend. The Portuguese coach brought up the two decisions himself as he wrapped up his media duties on Monday.
The two penalty decisions Mourinho referenced
Barcelona were awarded a penalty during their win over Levante after a foul on Lamine Yamal, a decision that helped seal a victory for the Blaugrana. Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, were given a penalty for handball in the area during their win over Real Sociedad, a call examined in detail after the Atlético–Real Sociedad match report.
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According to the primary account of Mourinho’s press conference, he was not initially asked about either decision by the assembled media. Both incidents are described as contentious in the reporting that followed the two results.
Mourinho’s reaction
Rather than wait to be asked, Mourinho raised the topic himself as he left the room, adopting a pointedly ironic tone. “¿Ninguna pregunta sobre los penaltis? Extraño, ¿no?” he said, according to the transcript of his remarks – roughly, no questions about the penalties, strange, isn’t it.
The comment was brief, but it left little doubt about where Mourinho stood on the coverage the two decisions had received relative to incidents involving his own side this season. He did not elaborate further before ending the session.
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Mourinho’s attention then turned to Real Madrid’s own preparations for Elche, including fitness updates and praise for Arda Güler’s recent form, but it was the penalty aside that set the tone for how his pre-match remarks were reported.
