A 'ProFootballDB' study highlights all the number of penalties each team has been given in La Liga since the turn of the century. Stats prove right those who say the big teams get more penalties.
People tend to say that Barcelona and Real Madrid are the teams most favoured by the referees. The VAR has made things fairer in the last few years, but 'ProFootballDB's stats seem to back those who say that that is the truth.
Because throughout the 21st century, Real Madrid and Barcelona are the two La Liga teams which have got most penalties. And many more than the rest of the teams.
And leading the way are Real Madrid with 156 penalties. Barcelona are next just four behind on 152.
However, Real have got a much better conversion rate from the spot. 86.54% to Barca's 78.29%. 'Los Blancos' have missed just 21 penalties while Barca have failed to convert 33.
Obviously, getting more penalties does not necessarily mean the referees have been helping them because they are the two teams which have the strongest attacks. Getting into the opposition's box more gives you more chance of getting more penalties.
Sevilla and Athletic are next with 129 and 125 penalties respectively. Sevilla scored 80.62% of their spot kicks while the Basques have a conversation rate of 70.4%.
In total, 42 teams have received at least one penalty. Those which got least spot kicks were Cordoba, Oviedo and Xerez with just three each, but that is also because these clubs spent very little time in the top flight. All three sides missed once from 12 yards.
Three other teams had 100% success from the spot. Murcia, Cadiz and Nastic with Murcia scoring all 14 of their efforts.
The team with the best conversion rate is Real Zaragoza who scored 46 out of 52 penalties (88.46%).