Ancellotti Irritated By Officials
My how the tables have turned as Madrid was finally left on the wrong side of a controversial call in the UEFA Champions League. For years, pre-VAR in particular, we’ve seen Los Blancos be the beneficiary of weak, questionable, and down right egregious calls within the White House walls on European nights. As such, those ‘missed’ calls from the officiating crew would help spur Madrid on to winning said matches en route to stockpiling their Champions League trophy cabinet. However, last night we witnessed a sideline decision favor Manchester City. The ball clearly went out of play, but the officials didn’t see it and because a certain amount of time had passed between that incident and Kevin De Bruyne equalizing from long range, VAR decided not to play its part.
Carlo Ancelotti was quite vocal about the issue Tuesday night during his post-game presser, and although many pundits are siding with VAR’s decision not to buzz down to the head official on the field, I believe there is credence to what Carlo was saying. For me, the goal should have been disallowed, and in turn Madrid may have indeed won the match 1-0 instead of drawing 1-1, which at this stage of the competition is a massive difference in the aggregate scoreline. Just because Camavinga had intercepted a pass and gained possession back for Madrid shouldn’t automatically disqualify Los Blancos the opportunity for VAR to intervene. Camavinga was still in and around Madrid’s own penalty area as opposed to Madrid receiving the proper throw-in near midfield. In addition, the Real player was under duress from the Man City opposition, a situation that would have likely not occurred had the thrown-in been awarded. And lastly, because of where the turnover occurred, Man City recovered the ball in a highly advantageous area for goalscoring, which is what ultimately happened via De Bruyne’s sumptuous strike. Thus, Madrid undoubtedly should have been awarded the throw-in. But hey, unless you’re a Madrid or Spain supporter, you probably took some enjoyment out of the fact that Real finally got the raw end of a pivotal postseason call.
Sergio Busquets To Leave Barca
After spending nearly the last two decades in Barcelona, Sergio Busquets is set to call time at the Spotify Camp Nou. The Blaugrana’s current captain has been a senior team member for 15 years, and during which time he’s won an incredible 32 trophies. Included in his haul features eight LaLiga, seven Copas del Rey, and three Champions League titles. He’ll be remembered for his midfielding mastery, being able to relieve pressure with the most minimal amount of movement in thanks to his incredible ball skills. Time and again, the Spaniard would leave defenders deceived, and baffled to have not dispossessed him. It’s truly an end to an era, as Busi was the last active Barca player from Pep’s 2009 Champions League winning starting Xl. We thank you for the memories Sergio! #ForcaBarca