The release of VAR audio has provided an explanation for referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero’s decision to cancel a penalty initially awarded against Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni during the club’s 3-0 victory over Racing Santander.

According to a report by Madrid Universal on Monday, November 2, 2026, the incident occurred in the 71st minute of Sunday’s La Liga fixture at El Sardinero. Munuera initially pointed to the penalty spot after believing Tchouameni had committed a handball inside the area. However, the VAR team, led by Luis Mario Milla, reviewed the footage and recommended that the referee reconsider his decision.

The communication from the video assistant officials instructed Munuera to visit the pitchside monitor and assess whether the penalty should be withdrawn. As he walked towards the screen, the referee assured Racing Santander manager Jose Alberto that he would examine the situation carefully.

During the review, the VAR team explained that Tchouameni had deliberately played the ball before it subsequently made contact with his hand. The officials therefore considered the incident a continuation of play rather than an offence requiring a penalty.

Munuera requested additional footage, asking the VAR team to provide a clearer and longer replay so he could properly assess the sequence. After reviewing the images several times, he sought confirmation that no Racing Santander player had touched the ball before it struck Tchouameni’s hand.

The VAR officials confirmed that the ball had only been played by the Real Madrid midfielder. Munuera subsequently concluded that the contact did not constitute a penalty because it followed Tchouameni’s deliberate attempt to play the ball.

The decision generated considerable frustration among the home supporters, who had initially believed their team had been given an opportunity to reduce the deficit. The atmosphere reportedly became tense, with one spectator throwing a lighter onto the pitch during the reaction to the ruling.

The controversy was further intensified by an earlier penalty awarded to Real Madrid. Kylian Mbappe converted the opportunity in the 11th minute, giving the visitors an early advantage and leaving Racing Santander supporters dissatisfied with the contrasting decisions.

Despite the protests, Madrid continued to control the encounter and eventually secured a comfortable 3-0 victory. Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande also found the net before half-time, helping Mourinho’s team establish a commanding lead.

The publication of the VAR conversation has now offered supporters a clearer understanding of the officials’ reasoning. It also explains why Munuera reversed his initial decision after reviewing the footage, although the ruling remained a source of frustration for the home crowd.

For Real Madrid, the incident did not affect the final result, as they maintained their three-goal advantage to claim another victory in La Liga.