Barcelona’s Copa del Rey tie with Atletico has put VAR back in the spotlight after a decision to rule out a goal from Pau Cubarsi in the second-half.
Hansi Flick’s side were 4-0 down at half-time after a frankly awful first-half display but thought they’d found a way back into the match when Pau Cubarsi pulled one back in the second half.
The goal was originally given but then checked by VAR. The check went on and on and on and after eight minutes the officials finally managed to find a reason to disallow the goal.
The deal prompted plenty of criticism online. LaLiga pundit Terry Gibson posted on X: “A 8 minute VAR check for an offside goal is absolutely diabolical! Atletico v Barcelona.”
The Athletic’s Barcelona writer Pol Ballus added: “I’m in the stadium and don’t have a clue of what they’re checking. This is a ridiculous wait. This is up there as the biggest VAR shit show I’ve ever witnessed.”
And when the images of why the goal had been ruled out, it still wasn’t clear why.
The decision is another massively controversial moment in a season which has seen plenty of spotlight on referees in Spanish football.
A farcical moment and one that will prompt plenty of debate after the match no doubt.