Bayern Munich’s Champions League dreams were shattered on Wednesday night, falling 2-1 to Real Madrid in a dramatic second-leg clash at the Bernabeu. However, the Bavarians’ disappointment wasn’t solely fueled by the final score. A controversial late offside decision that denied them a potential equalizer has sparked outrage within the Bayern camp.
De Ligt’s Goal Chalked Off: A Turning Point in Stoppage Time
With the scores level at 1-1 and the clock ticking down in stoppage time, Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt thought he had salvaged Bayern’s night. He emphatically stabbed home what appeared to be a dramatic equalizer, sending a collective gasp through the Bernabeu crowd. However, their cheers were abruptly halted as the linesman’s flag went up for offside in the build-up. The referee, having already blown his whistle, waved away De Ligt’s effort, leaving Bayern players fuming.
Tuchel Blasts “Disaster” Officiating: A Breach of Modern Football Rules
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel was left seething after the final whistle. He vehemently criticized the officiating, calling the disallowed goal an “absolute disaster.” Tuchel argued that the linesman’s flag and subsequent whistle blew prematurely, interrupting a developing play that should have been allowed to continue. He pointed to Real Madrid’s second goal, where play was allowed to proceed despite a potential offside, and criticized the inconsistency in the refereeing decisions.
“I think it’s pretty clear and there is no doubt that is against the rules of modern football,” Tuchel stated. “The clear rule is that the scene must continue. The first mistake was made by the linesman, the second by the referee.”
De Ligt Receives Apology, But Bayern Seeks Answers
De Ligt revealed that the linesman had apologized to him after the game, but the Bayern defender remained visibly frustrated. Tuchel acknowledged the apology but stressed its inadequacy in the context of a pivotal Champions League semi-final. He emphasized the pressure on referees to perform at their peak level in such high-stakes matches. “That is what we expect,” Tuchel said. “So the apology does not really help.”
Neuer’s Spill Overshadowed: A Night of Mixed Emotions for Bayern
While the disallowed goal undoubtedly dominated post-match discussions, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s error for Real’s equalizer in the 88th minute shouldn’t be overlooked. A routine save attempt turned into a costly spill, allowing substitute Joselu to tap the ball into the net. However, Tuchel refused to lay blame on his goalkeeper, highlighting Neuer’s outstanding performance throughout the match. “Ninety-nine out of 100 times he makes it,” Tuchel said.
The defeat marks a bittersweet end to Bayern’s European campaign. While they displayed moments of brilliance, particularly with Alphonso Davies’ stunning opening goal, ultimately they fell short. The controversial offside call adds another layer of frustration to Bayern’s exit, leaving them with a sense of injustice alongside the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League final.
