In a Champions League semi-final showdown between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Thomas Tuchel expressed his frustration following a contentious offside call that denied his team a late equalizer. After Matthijs de Ligt’s last-minute goal was disallowed for offside, the Bayern Munich manager didn’t hold back in his post-match interview:
“It’s a disastrous decision from the linesman and from the referee. It feels almost like a betrayal.”
Tuchel argued that the officials made their decision prematurely, ultimately costing Bayern Munich a chance to level the score. Despite their efforts, Bayern succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid.
Controversial Offside Decision Frustrates Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich was left frustrated after Matthijs de Ligt’s late goal was disallowed, which would have potentially sent the game into extra time. Referee Szymon Marciniak had already blown the whistle for offside against Noussair Mazraoui seconds before De Ligt’s shot.
Replays revealed that Mazraoui was actually onside, and the assistant referee made a clear error by raising the flag, leading Marciniak to blow the whistle. The assistant is instructed to keep the flag down for close calls so that VAR can review them.
Whether Real Madrid’s players would have stopped De Ligt from scoring if the whistle hadn’t gone is up for debate, but the officials made a critical mistake at a pivotal moment.
Controversial Offside Call in Bayern vs. Real Madrid Match
There is no doubt that linesman and referee Szymon Marciniak should have waited to call offside and allowed play to continue so that VAR could verify the decision. It was a clear mistake, and both officials apologized to Tuchel and the Bayern players.
However, questions linger about whether the early whistle prevented a clear goal. Two Real Madrid defenders stopped playing after the whistle, allowing Thomas Müller to head toward De Ligt. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin also made no attempt to save De Ligt’s shot once the whistle was blown.
Yes, Bayern were denied a clear shot on goal, but would Real Madrid have successfully defended the opportunity if the whistle hadn’t sounded?
Either way, this debate will continue long after Wednesday night’s final whistle.
Real Madrid and Dortmund: Masters of Champions League Comebacks
Eight years ago this week, Joselu sat unused on the substitutes’ bench at Selhurst Park, not even considered worthy of rescuing a result for Stoke City, who ultimately lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace.
Few would have predicted that the Spanish striker would one day fire Real Madrid into a Champions League final with two goals against Bayern Munich. But that’s how football works sometimes.
In fact, it’s exactly how Real Madrid operate. The Spanish giants have won four matches this season in the UEFA Champions League despite conceding the first goal, the most since – yes, you guessed it – Real Madrid in the 2016-17 season.
Add Joselu to Real Madrid’s long list of comeback heroes. Rodrygo defeated Chelsea and Manchester City with crucial late goals on their way to victory in 2022. Cristiano Ronaldo treated Champions League comebacks at the Santiago Bernabeu like his playground in his prime.
Real Madrid have rediscovered their Champions League magic. It will take a formidable Dortmund force to stop them at Wembley in June.
Few would have predicted that Jadon Sancho would become Dortmund’s key defender in containing Kylian Mbappe.
In the first leg in Dortmund, Sancho was the creative spark on the pitch and could have notched a hat-trick of assists. The return leg in Paris saw him in a different role.
The English winger teamed up with right-back Julian Ryerson to neutralize PSG’s dynamic No. 7. It was a stellar defensive performance that saw Sancho make seven ball recoveries and win six possessions in the defensive and middle thirds. Mbappe, meanwhile, managed just five shots.
Sancho’s Brilliance Shines While Mbappe Fades: Dortmund Dominates PSG
Jadon Sancho delivered a stellar performance, boasting a 63.64% forward passing accuracy—the highest on the pitch. When Borussia Dortmund needed to advance and relieve pressure, Sancho was their calm and effective figure.
Sancho’s ability to showcase attacking flair while doing the dirty work makes him a golden addition to any European squad. Are you watching, Erik?
In stark contrast, Kylian Mbappe was not the player we’ve grown accustomed to seeing—one who consistently rises to big occasions. Despite his 48 Champions League goals and record-breaking World Cup finals performances, none of that was evident against Dortmund. Over 180 minutes, the German side schooled him, rendering him virtually anonymous.
Credit goes to Dortmund’s dynamic defensive duo, Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck, but questions arise about PSG’s No. 7, who leaves the Parc des Princes without fulfilling his club’s Champions League aspirations.
Subdued, indecisive, and wasteful, Mbappe lost possession 18 times on Tuesday night. Of the 12 touches he had in the opposition box, only three resulted in shots on target, none troubling Gregor Kobel.
“Football is so unfair,” lamented manager Luis Enrique post-match. While that’s often true, PSG’s stars were off-color while Dortmund’s cohesive game plan, executed with unwavering commitment, reaped rewards.
