The clash between 'Inter' and 'Barcelona' in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals was memorable not only for its goals but also for the controversial decisions. Notably, in the crucial moment of the match — in the 90+2 minute of the second half, the 'Inter' team earned a penalty. As a result, the Milan team won 4:3 and advanced to the final with an overall score of 7:6.
However, this situation and the decision made sparked heated discussions within the football community. In particular, the famous expert and former head coach of 'Arsenal', Arsen Wenger, also expressed his opinion on this episode.
"Such penalties should not decide football"
During his analytical appearance on beIN SPORTS, Wenger evaluated the penalty awarded through VAR as completely unjust and contrary to the spirit of football:
"I am completely against such penalties. This is an unfair decision influenced by VAR. Every VAR check is based on slow-motion replays. However, football happens in real-time, at high speed. Therefore, such slowed-down images distort the actual situation."
Analysis of the episode: who gets to the ball first?
Wenger analyzed the situation as follows:
"Here, Kúbarsi clearly gets to the ball first. He makes an excellent tackle. Lautaro, on the other hand, is blocking the defender more than going for the ball, leaning on him and deliberately looking for a penalty. He knows well — he cannot score because the defender eliminates his chance to control the ball. In such a situation, the referee should have continued the game instead of awarding an 11-meter penalty."
The "macro" problem of VAR
Arsen Wenger also highlighted the main problem of the VAR system:
"In football, the important aspect is not whether there is contact or not, but who gets to the ball first. VAR eliminates this point. It forces the referee to make a different decision through distracting details."
Team passion, but individual mistakes
The decision made by referee Shimon Marchinyak kept 'Barcelona' away from the final. This was a painful loss for the club and its fans. At the same time, the controversial penalty awarded through VAR is intensifying debates within the football environment.
This debate not only showcased a dramatic football spectacle to the fans but also highlighted the conflict between technology and human decision-making once again.
What do you think — was this penalty truly deserved, or is Wenger right?
