The controversy hovered over Real Madrid's league debut after voices were raised at El Sadar about an alleged improper line-up. The presence of Franco Mastantuono, the club's brand-new signing, aroused suspicion in the offices of some rivals who were looking for a way to take advantage of any legal loophole.
However, the latest news rules out any sanction. Osasuna, the team that experienced the matter most closely, has already publicly confirmed that it won't lift a finger to challenge the match.
Osasuna distances itself from the controversy
Osasuna's own president, Luis Sabalza, made it clear in statements collected by the media. "All the teams do it, we have no intention of filing a complaint," he said, putting an end to the rumors.
The normal way in which the executive spoke confirms that Mastantuono's participation doesn't have any disciplinary implications. The Argentine made his debut without any underlying irregularities, beyond the suspicions fueled from outside.
Real Madrid breathes easy
At Camp Nou, Osasuna's attitude in this case hasn't been well received. The blaugranas recall Osasuna's belligerent stance last season, when Barça fielded Íñigo Martínez in a league match. Back then, a formal complaint was indeed filed, which kept the Catalan team in the media spotlight for weeks.
From a Madridist perspective, Osasuna's decision is positive news. The club won't have to be distracted by legal procedures or the shadow of a possible sanction. La Liga is off to a good start for Xabi Alonso's side, who was able to give Mastantuono minutes without consequences.
The Argentine player, who arrived in Madrid amid great expectation, was able to make his debut in the First Division with the peace of mind of knowing that everything was in order. No challenge, no sanction, no real controversy: only the noise caused from Barcelona in the hours following the match.
A difference that says a lot
The disparity in criteria between what happened with Barça and what is now happening with Real Madrid reflects the different weight both clubs have on the national scene. In Barcelona, they speak of Osasuna's submission to the club. In Madrid, however, the interpretation is different: common sense prevailed and avoided an artificial conflict.
The Mastantuono case is thus closed, with Osasuna out of the equation and Real Madrid already looking ahead to its next commitments.
Mastantuono's problem is that Real Madrid has registered him with Castilla. The goal was to make room for another signing that could arrive in the coming hours. It has done so because it can.