Barcelona Were Initially Given a Penalty in the 90+6′, but the Call is Reversed After a VAR Check in Sevilla
In a dramatic and controversial finish to the Copa del Rey final in Sevilla, Barcelona thought they had secured a late penalty to win the match against Real Madrid, but the call was overturned after a VAR review, sending shockwaves through the stadium. With the game in its dying moments, in the 90+6′ minute, Barcelona were awarded a penalty, but it was soon reversed, leaving both teams with mixed emotions.
The incident that led to the penalty began when Raphinha was brought down in the penalty area after a challenge from Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger. Raphinha had made a burst into the box and was looking to capitalize on a brilliant through ball when he went down under pressure. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot, much to the delight of the Barcelona players and their supporters, who thought they had a golden opportunity to take the lead with only a few moments left in the match.
However, as the Barcelona players began to celebrate, the referee signaled for a VAR check, slowing down the euphoria in the stadium. The video assistant referee, reviewing the footage from different angles, took a closer look at the challenge. Upon further inspection, it became clear that Raphinha had exaggerated the contact from Rüdiger, and while there was some contact, it did not appear to be a foul worthy of a penalty.
After a few tense minutes, the referee made his way to the pitch-side monitor to review the situation once again. The decision was finally made to overturn the penalty, and the stadium fell silent as the penalty award was reversed. To make matters even more contentious, Raphinha was shown a yellow card for simulation, a decision that added to the frustration of the Barcelona players and fans.
The reversal of the penalty was a massive blow to Barcelona, who had believed they had a chance to seal the match and claim the Copa del Rey trophy. Raphinha, who had been instrumental in creating opportunities for his team throughout the match, stood in disbelief after the yellow card. His frustration was palpable as he realized that his efforts had been nullified by the VAR intervention.
For Real Madrid, the decision was a huge relief. Despite a few nervy moments towards the end, including several chances from Barcelona, they had managed to hold on. The reversal of the penalty meant that they had escaped with a draw and were still in the game, although both teams were far from satisfied with the outcome.
The VAR review itself has sparked debate, with many questioning the consistency of the system. Barcelona fans were incensed by the call, feeling that the decision had cost them a rightful chance to win the match in the final minutes. On the other hand, Real Madrid supporters were relieved by the decision, with many believing that the penalty was harsh and that Raphinha had indeed exaggerated the contact.
While the VAR decision took center stage, it should not overshadow the dramatic nature of the match. Both teams had given their all on the pitch, with moments of brilliance from players like Raphinha and Vinicius Jr., and Real Madrid had also produced several dangerous counter-attacks. The final minutes of the game had seen both teams push for a winner, making for a thrilling spectacle that left fans on the edge of their seats.
In the aftermath of the decision, the debate over VAR in football is likely to continue. While the technology is designed to eliminate clear and obvious errors, many feel that it often causes more confusion and controversy. The decision to overturn the penalty has reignited conversations about the role of video assistance in football, with critics arguing that it takes away from the human element of the game.
For Barcelona, the result was a bitter pill to swallow. They had dominated large parts of the match and had hoped to make history by winning the Copa del Rey. However, the VAR decision left them with a sense of injustice, and they will now have to regroup and focus on their next challenges. For Raphinha, the yellow card for simulation was a personal disappointment, as he had worked tirelessly for his team throughout the game.
Real Madrid, while fortunate to escape with a draw, will also have to reflect on their performance. Despite being under pressure for large parts of the match, they managed to stay in the contest and take advantage of the controversial VAR decision. The draw means that they will leave Sevilla with a point, but they too will feel that they were lucky to avoid defeat in a match that was full of drama and emotion.
As both teams left the pitch, the incident remained the talk of the town. Fans from both sides debated the fairness of the VAR decision, with many feeling that it had decided the fate of the final. For now, however, the decision has been made, and the focus will shift to upcoming matches, as Barcelona and Real Madrid continue their respective quests for glory in the Spanish football season.
This latest chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the two clubs will undoubtedly add to the rich history of Clasico encounters. The controversy surrounding the VAR decision will likely be remembered as one of the key moments in this year’s Copa del Rey final, but it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where emotions can swing wildly and the smallest moments can have the biggest impacts.
