Bayern Munich’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, expressed deep frustration over a crucial offside decision that impacted their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. Tuchel labeled the decision to halt play before his team’s potential injury-time equalizer as a “betrayal.”
The pivotal moment occurred in the dying minutes of the second leg semi-final clash, with Bayern leading 1-0. Substitute Joselu scored twice in three minutes, reversing the scoreline in Real’s favor. In the 13th minute of stoppage time, Bayern’s Matthijs de Ligt found the net, only for the assistant referee to flag for offside.
Despite protests and television replays indicating a marginal call, VAR couldn’t intervene due to the play already being stopped. Tuchel vented his frustration post-match, condemning the decision as “disastrous” and “against the rules.”
He highlighted the impact of the offside call, stating it felt like a betrayal considering the pivotal moment in the match. Tuchel acknowledged the linesman’s apology but emphasized its insufficiency given the circumstances.
Referee Szymon Marciniak also apologized, but Tuchel emphasized that apologies won’t change the outcome, especially with Real advancing to the final.
Looking forward, Tuchel emphasized the importance of consistency and top-level officiating, stressing that referees must perform at the highest level in such critical matches.
Real Madrid progresses to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium on June 1.
Credit: BBC Sport
