Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Champions League, VAR, Paul Scholes, Football
Alex Brotherton
Topics: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Champions League, VAR, Paul Scholes, Football
Paul Scholes has a theory behind Bayern Munich's disallowed equaliser that not many people have considered.
On Wednesday Real Madrid and Bayern Munich played out the second leg of their mouth-watering Champions League semi-final tie, and in terms of drama, it certainly didn't disappoint.
Bayern Munich appeared to be heading to the final at Wembley thanks to Alphonso Davies' wonder-strike, but 88th and 91st minute goals from Joselu produced yet another famous Real Madrid comeback.
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There was still time for drama after the late goals, when Bayern thought they had snatched an equaliser in the 13th minute of injury-time.
The linesman raised his flag for offside as Noussair Mazraoui contested a long ball with Ferland Mendy, and referee Szymon Marciniak blew his whistle seconds before Matthijs de Ligt smashed home a would-be equaliser.
Mazraoui appeared to be onside, but VAR could not review the incident as the referee had already blown his whistle.
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Bayern's player and coaching staff were furious, as current offside protocols dictate that officials let play continue until the attack is over, meaning VAR can then intervene if the incorrect decision is made on-field.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel described the decision as "disastrous" and admitted that it felt like a "betrayal."
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Plenty of fans and pundits have sympathy with Bayern, but after the game, TNT Sports pundit Paul Scholes pointed something out that not many people have considered.
The former Manchester United midfielder admitted that the referee blew his whistle too early, but questioned whether De Ligt would have scored had goalkeeper Andriy Lunin not stopped playing.
The Madrid goalkeeper didn't even attempt to dive for De Ligt's shot as the referee had already blown.
"It's a great finish," Scholes said on TNT Sports, "but I do think that the keeper stops. Would he have saved it anyway?"
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Real Madrid will meet Borussia Dortmund in the final of the Champions League at Wembley Stadium on June 1.