Bayern Munich made it to one of the last games in the Champions League, the coveted international tournament that every professional soccer player wants to win. But, a loss against Real Madrid saw them exit the competition earlier than desired after some controversial refereeing did not go their way. Had this not happened, we could have seen the German Bundesliga side potentially knock out the La Liga champions – and one of the all-time greats in the Champions League.
Thomas Tuchel, the Bayern manager, had a few choice words to say post-game that really highlighted just how frustrated the coaching staff and players were with the game-time decisions made in the heat of the moment.
Thomas Tuchel and Bayern Munich Frustrated at Referees
Thank you for your amazing support this season in the @ChampionsLeague ♥#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/zRc09Tbced
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) May 8, 2024
The referees and VAR have come under a lot of scrutiny in the last five years of football. VAR was introduced as a system that would help expedite decisions and prevent controversy that could change the outcome of games in tough moments.
However, the inclusion of when to use VAR, the amount of time needed to review calls, and when VAR is overruled has caused more confusion than answers in the modern game.
That is exactly what happened this Wednesday night when Real Madrid faced off against Bayern Munich in the semifinal game of the Champions League.
De Ligt, a Bayern Munich defender, scored a crucial goal in the second half that would have seen the German team draw level with the squad from Madrid. However, the referee, Szymon Marciniak, had called the play already for offside. Just minutes later, Madrid won the game 4-3 on aggregate goal differential.
The offside call and stoppage of the game decided which team would make it to the CL final, and which team had to go home early.
Tuchel was understandably frustrated and angry after the match, as the controversial refereeing was the deciding factor in Real Madrid’s win.
‘The linesman said sorry…The referee does not have to flag – he sees that we win the second ball, eh sees that we get a shot away. To whistle is a very, very bad decision. It’s against the rules, it’s a bad decision from both of them. It’s a disaster, tough to swallow, but it is the way it is.’
If the referee did not blow the whistle, the call could have been reviewed by VAR and the goal would have stood. But since the head referee stopped the play, the goal was not allowed since other players stopped in the game.
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Real Madrid Scored Twice Against Bayern Munich
Despite Bayern Munich’s offside goal not being counted, there were plenty of goals to go around in this tense matchup on Wednesday night.
One player in particular had a great game that is surely one of the highlights of his career so far. Joselu scored two goals in just three minutes to send Real Madrid past Bayern Munich 2-1 in the semifinal game.
This proved to be the much-needed two goals, as Alphonso Davies came on as a substitute for Bayern Munich and scored in the 68th minute.
Despite being down for more than 80 minutes in the game, Real Madrid never faltered and scored their two goals in the 88th and 91st minute of the match.
Two late goals are heartbreak for Bayern Munich, but a dream come true for Joselu and his side. Joselu’s late goals sent his team to the final on June 1st to face off against Borussia Dortmund in England.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
