Narrative busted? SHOCKING stats reveal Real Madrid among most penalised by VAR, Barcelona lead in favorable calls

According to a report from AS, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) set a new record in the 2024–25 La Liga season with a total of 189 interventions, nearly ten times higher than the previous record from the 2022–23 season. Real Madrid were among the most penalised teams, with 16 interventions going against them and only nine in their favour. Meanwhile, La Liga winners Barcelona benefited the most, with 16 favorable calls and just seven going against them.

The stats tell a completely different story from the narrative that’s been pushed all season about referees and VAR favouring Real Madrid. In fact, the data reveals a rise in officiating errors, forcing a heavier reliance on VAR, especially with the introduction of semi-automatic offside technology. A record 86 penalties and 40 red cards were awarded following VAR checks, along with 62 goals allowed and 40 disallowed for offside. Real Madrid had eight goals ruled out by VAR - the most of any team - while Barcelona's opponents had five goals disallowed, one of the highest in the league.

The data states Hansi Flick’s Barcelona received more than double the number of favourable VAR calls, with 16 decisions in their favour and only seven against - the best margin in La Liga. In contrast, Real Madrid had a net negative of minus seven, matching Alaves for the worst VAR balance in the league. Notably, Barca finished the season with 88 points from 38 games, while Real Madrid fell just short with 84 points, securing second place.

With Xabi Alonso now in charge, Real Madrid will shift their focus to the Club World Cup, their first major test of the new season. Following a trophyless campaign, the club are active in the transfer market and have already secured a few major signings ahead of the 2025–26 season. Barcelona, meanwhile, will take a short break before regrouping for pre-season. Having dominated domestically, their focus will be on reshaping the squad and pushing for Champions League success next season.