For instance, if Ibrahimovic took a dive in the box without even colliding with anyone, the referee might ignore him, and Ibrahimovic could likely respond with an awkward smile.
Or if Ibrahimovic actively fell to the ground under a weak challenge, outsiders might think it was a cast-iron penalty, but if the referee didn't award it, Ibrahimovic wouldn't make a fuss.
Generally, unless it's the final moments and a player absolutely needs a penalty, the player's reaction is very telling… except for those whose emotions tend to exaggerate, whose reactions don't fall into this category.
So, if Ibrahimovic was furiously demanding a penalty, it meant that, at least in his eyes, it was definitely a penalty.
Conversely, a few minutes later, a similar incident occurred inside Sporting Lisbon's penalty area.
Barzagli, as the opponent received the ball, put his body and hands on him, squeezing the opponent down from the side.
