Inter Milan 1-0 Barcelona: VAR... or the lack of it, thwarts Xavi and Co
The Catalans might have had a penalty which was not given and also had a goal ruled out
Barcelona have it all to do after going down in Milan, partly because they put in one of the worst performances of the season so far, but also because of some very strange refereeing.
Pedri had a goal ruled out by VAR for a handball by Ansu Fati, when the ball brushed the forward’s hand lightly and unintentionally, after goalkeeper Onana knocked it his way from close range.
Then in the final minutes, the Catalans were not awarded a penalty when Denzel Dumfries seemed to punch the ball away.
Moments that were hard to understand. “I don’t think even they know what the handball rules are,” said Sergi Roberto.
Barcelona lined up in what looked like a 4-3-3 but was different to their normal set-up. Raphinha was on the left but played inside, while Marcos Alonso had the whole flank to roam.
Ousmane Dembele had the right flank and a lot of the ball, but the Mosquito was at his most erratic.
Inter took the lead shortly before half-time when Sergio Busquets did not get close enough to Hakan Calhanoglu and the Turkish midfielder rifled a low shot into the bottom corner.
Dembele improved after the break and struck the post, before his cross caused havoc and Pedri scored, but it was ruled out. Worse was to come with the penalty that was not given.
At least the chance to get revenge won’t take long, with Inter coming to Camp Nou next week.
