Two people with headphones watch screens showing a soccer match in a room with the logo of the Royal Spanish Football Federation and a shield superimposed in the center.
VAR Room with RM Emblem in Black and White | Camara Didac Aguirre
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The Serious VAR Errors That Almost Condemn Real Madrid against Athletic

The Victory That Real Madrid Almost Didn't Achieve After the Multiple VAR Errors

by

Didac Aguirre

Once again, the refereeing during a Real Madrid match has excelled due to its constant controversy. Facing Athletic Club at Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid went out to secure some crucial three points. However, the match was, for the most part, extremely difficult to solve for both teams.

Although Real Madrid achieved victory thanks to a powerful shot by Fede Valverde, this could have been the second goal. The first was scored by Vinicius Júnior, who, after a spectacular play, managed to surpass Unai Simón. However, VAR intervened to disallow a goal for an offside caused by Endrick a few seconds earlier.

Two players compete for the ball in a match, one in a red and white striped uniform and the other in a white uniform, while a third player watches from the background.
Penalty on Bellingham | Didac Aguirre

This caused and continues to cause much dissatisfaction among Madrid fans, with several doubts about whether it was really an offside by Endrick. The ball that never appears in VAR and the image of Endrick extending his arm have given much to talk about.

VAR Controversies

Being in the fight against Barcelona for the LaLiga title, Real Madrid is aware that they can't drop more points. Staying 4 points behind the Catalans, this could have changed after the match against Athletic. Although Real Madrid was clearly superior, VAR was close to ruining their victory.

The controversial play shows an Endrick who was ahead of the Athletic Club's center-back by mere millimeters. While his boot is offside, the VAR images are not clear at all, showing the play without being able to see where the ball is located.

A VAR graphic shows an offside in a soccer match with a player in an advanced position and a line indicating the position.
Endrick's Offside | Didac Aguirre

Moreover, in the real image, it can be seen how Endrick has both arms inside to avoid an offside. Even so, in the image shared by VAR, it can be seen how Endrick has a nonexistent extended arm that caused the offside.

A Great Victory for Real Madrid

After all this, Real Madrid's victory is extremely special due to having once again overcome Spanish refereeing. With their stance being the same regarding the quality of refereeing, this match was a clear example of what Madrid seeks to improve.

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