Fuss about (non-)goal

“Disgrace!” Barcelona rage after Clasico defeat

There was a lot going on again in the Clasico between Real and Barcelona.(Bild: AFP or licensors)

The decisive goal for Real Madrid to make it 3:2 was scored in the 91st minute, but the focus was still on a scene in the 28th minute: a supposed goal by young star Lamine Yamal to make it 2:1 was disallowed for FC Barcelona (see video below). Even after many TV replays, it was impossible to tell whether the ball was fully behind the line or not, as there is no goal-line technology in LaLiga. "It's a disgrace for soccer," said Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

There is so much money being moved around in this world. "And there's no money for what's important," the German team goalkeeper was annoyed after the narrowly lost "Clasico" in the sold-out Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Spain is the only one of Europe's top five leagues not to use this technical aid.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) spent minutes examining the action in which Real goalkeeper Andrij Lunin had parried with his hands behind the line, but ultimately no clear evidence of a goal could be found, meaning that it could not be recognized. Both the VAR and the refereeing team had their hands tied in this case.

"Maximum injustice"
Barca coach Xavi spoke afterwards of a "maximum injustice". His team would have deserved the three points. "Everyone saw the referee's performance. You can punish me, but the images are there for all to see. It just wasn't fair," said the former world and European champion, who had complained heavily about the referee against PSG during the week and was shown a red card during the game. After the Champions League quarter-final exit on Tuesday, the next bitter setback followed.

With a deficit of eleven points to their great rivals with six rounds to go, the title is as good as gone. The Catalans, who are used to success, will therefore probably remain title-less in 2023/24. "If you don't win a title in the end, we're disappointed - especially in ourselves. Ultimately, we're the ones who failed at crucial moments," said Ter Stegen. Goals from Andreas Christensen (6th) and Fermin Lopez (69th), including a two-goal lead, were not enough to take home anything countable.

(Bild: Associated Press)

"Fantastic victory"
Vincius Junior (18th penalty), Lucas Vazquez (73rd) after the 1:1 scorer's assist and Jude Bellingham with his late goal shot Real into fortune. "It was a fantastic win, we did a great job," emphasized the match-winner. However, the Englishman warned that they had not yet won the league. However, everyone was aware that Real now hold all the aces on their way to their 36th league title. "We've taken a big step, we've gained a big advantage," said coach Carlo Ancelotti. He did not really want to get involved in the discussions about the disallowed Barca goal.

This was the fourth time in a row that the Whites, who were still without Austrian star David Alaba, who is injured on his knee, had come out on top against Barca. Real continue their campaign on Friday with a visit to sixth-placed Real Sociedad. Barcelona do not host eighth-placed Valencia until Monday. Regardless of the outcome of the games, a title decision is not yet possible.