Real Madrid Player Criticizes Controversial Decision to Disallow RB Leipzig’s Goal
Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 victory against RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Champions League tie. However, the match was not without controversy as Leipzig had a goal controversially ruled out early in the game. Real Madrid player Toni Kroos shocked many by admitting that Leipzig’s disallowed goal should have stood.
The disallowed goal came just three minutes into the match when Benjamin Sesko found the net with a header. However, the goal was disallowed due to a slight nudge from Benjmain Henrichs on Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Initially, it was deemed that Sesko was offside, but the defender was then penalized for colliding with the goalkeeper. This decision left both fans and footballers perplexed.
Leipzig went on to dominate the chances in the first half, creating numerous opportunities to equalize. However, it was Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz who ultimately scored the winning goal in the 48th minute, with a brilliantly worked strike. Despite securing the victory, Toni Kroos acknowledged that Leipzig were hard done by.
Kroos commented on the controversial decision, saying, “I think in the end he called offside because it got in his way. But the goalkeeper couldn’t reach the ball and that’s why the goal had to be given. You can’t argue any other way.” Kroos’s admission highlights the frustration felt by Leipzig and their fans regarding the disallowed goal.
Referee and analyst Mateu Lahoz also expressed his disagreement with the decision, stating, “It’s crazy to disallow the goal for that. This is not football. Leipzig’s goal should have gone up the scoreboard. We have to be honest. If this happens to a Spanish team, we would put our hands on our heads.” The disallowed goal sparked controversy not only among players but also among football enthusiasts and social media users.
While many fans and social media users expressed their outrage at the decision, former player Thierry Henry had a different outlook. Henry believed that the disallowed goal was the correct decision. He explained, “I first thought it was a goal, but on the replay, you can see it is not. As a player, you are told if you are offside, don’t get involved. He involves with Lunin, even if the push is little and he was offside.”
The controversy surrounding Leipzig’s disallowed goal showcases the ongoing debate over refereeing decisions in football. Despite Real Madrid’s victory, the match will be remembered for the contentious ruling that denied Leipzig a crucial goal. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fair and accurate refereeing in high-stakes matches like the Champions League.