FridayOL

The return leg of the Champions League semi-final between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona was filled with drama, and the first half delivered a hefty dose of controversy. After Lautaro Martínez’s crucial goal put Inter ahead, a series of questionable calls sparked heated debate among fans and pundits alike.

The primary focus of the controversy centered around two key incidents: a potential handball by Alessandro Bastoni and a penalty shout for a foul on Lautaro Martínez committed by Ronald Araújo. Renowned La Liga referee, Iturralde González, has stepped in to provide his expert analysis on these pivotal moments, offering clarity and perspective on what the VAR might have considered.

Bastoni's Hand: Was it a foul?

The incident involving Bastoni occurred during a scramble in the Barcelona penalty area. The ball struck Bastoni’s arm, leading to immediate appeals for a penalty from the Barcelona players. The referee on the field waved play on, and the decision was upheld by VAR. Iturralde, known for his meticulous attention to detail and understanding of the laws of the game, has weighed in. He carefully examined the footage, considering the position of Bastoni's arm, the proximity of the ball, and whether the handball was deliberate. His assessment, shared across Spanish media, suggests that while the ball did indeed hit Bastoni's arm, proving a deliberate action is difficult, which likely influenced the VAR’s decision to not overturn the on-field call. The speed of the game and the natural positioning of the defender's arm made a clear-cut decision challenging.

Lautaro's Penalty Claim: A Close Call

The second contentious moment involved a challenge on Lautaro Martínez inside the Inter penalty area. Araújo appeared to make contact with Lautaro, prompting the Inter players to vehemently demand a penalty. Once again, the referee initially declined the appeal, and VAR did not intervene. Iturralde’s analysis of this incident highlighted the difficulty in interpreting the contact. While there was clearly some contact between Araújo and Martínez, Iturralde noted that it appeared to be more of a jostle for position rather than a clear, intentional foul deserving of a penalty. He emphasized the importance of considering the overall context of the challenge and the lack of significant impact on Martínez’s ability to continue his run.

Impact on the Match

These controversial decisions undoubtedly had a significant impact on the flow and outcome of the match. Barcelona were visibly frustrated by the calls, and Inter capitalized on the momentum, ultimately securing a vital victory. Iturralde’s analysis provides valuable insight into the decision-making process of the referees and VAR officials, helping fans and analysts alike better understand the complexities of officiating in high-stakes Champions League encounters.

The debate surrounding these incidents is likely to continue long after the final whistle, but Iturralde’s expert opinion offers a valuable perspective on what transpired on the pitch. As both teams prepare for the second leg, the memory of these controversial moments will undoubtedly linger, adding an extra layer of intensity to what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this Champions League semi-final.