Tensions were high during a heated match between fierce rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona because of a disallowed goal that caused debate and infuriated Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez about the officiating in LaLiga, a league that notably lacks goal-line technology.
After Andreas Christensen and Fermin Lopez had given Barcelona the lead on Sunday, goals from Vinicius Jr. and Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid tied the game again.
The crucial moment occurred when Real Madrid’s custodian Andrey Lunin cleared Lamine Yamal’s effort in the 28th minute, which appeared to have crossed the line. After a protracted review, VAR intervened, disallowing the goal and giving Barcelona a corner.
Barcelona persevered in the face of the loss, but Jude Bellingham’s late goal in the 91st minute provided the game-winning blow and ensured Real Madrid’s fourth straight triumph over their Catalan rivals. With just six games left and an 11-point deficit, Barcelona’s chances of winning the championship were all but gone.
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In his post-match analysis, Xavi Hernandez did not hold back when he expressed his displeasure with what he thought to be unfair officiating. “We can’t control them,” he said, highlighting his conviction that Barcelona should have won all three points and denouncing the unfairness of the match.
After the event, the lack of goal-line technology in La Liga came under further attention. After hearing the complaints from Barcelona supporters, LaLiga president Javier Tebas defended the league’s position by pointing up previous technological errors, which sparked additional discussion.
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Barcelona is preparing for a critical La Liga match against Valencia on April 29th in an attempt to preserve their domestic season in the face of growing obstacles, as they attempt to regroup following their Champions League elimination.