Real Madrid’s first penalty in over eight months
Zidane’s side had played 27 games without being awarded a penalty before Saturday's trip to Alavés. Barcelona and Atlético have both been awarded eight in that time.
Cristiano converts Real Madrid's first penalty in eight months
Real Madrid were finally awarded a penalty on Saturday afternoon during the 4-1 win over Alavés, a whole seven months and nine days since their last spot kick. Cristiano Ronaldo converted the first-half spot kick after Deyverson was penalized for a handball in the box, the opener that put his Zidane’s side on the way to a comfortable win at Mendizorroza. Madrid were awarded another penalty in the second half, though Fernando Pacheco did well to palm away his effort.
27 games without a penalty
After today, Zidane will probably think that penalties are like buses. You wait ages for one and then two come along at once. Real Madrid have played 27 games since their last penalty. 28th time lucky, as they say.
Barcelona and Atlético awarded 8 in that same time
Ronaldo's two penalties broke one of the more unusual streaks in recent LaLiga history. Since the 20th March, when Real Madrid were last awarded a penalty in a 4-0 win over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu, Barcelona have been awarded eight spot kicks (against Villarreal, Sporting (3), Leganés, Celta Vigo, Manchester City and Valencia). Atlético Madrid have also been awarded 8 in that same time, against Barcelona, Bayern Munich (2), Real Madrid, Alavés, Sporting and Valencia (2).
Until Saturday, Real Madrid were one of just four teams yet to be awarded a penalty in the league this season, along with Alavés, Betis and Espanyol. Then there were three.