Five VAR decisions that have given Real Madrid top spot in LaLiga

Like a wizard, Real Madrid have used their magic wand, VAR, to make second place in the table disappear and move into top spot, ahead of Barcelona. 

Zinedine Zidane's side have needed 10 days to back Gerard Pique's comments up after Barça were held by Sevilla on Friday. He said, given what he'd seen, it was hard to imagine Madrid dropping points. 

Without ignoring Barça's lack of punch at the Pizjuan, there have been five refereeing decisions checked by VAR that have allowed Madrid to move to the top: one vs. Eibar, one vs. Valencia and three against Real Sociedad on Sunday. 

BENZEMA OFFSIDE 

In the first game back, Madrid took the lead against Eibar with a goal from Toni Kroos that should have been disallowed because Karim Benzema was offside in the build-up -- even if only just. It's even more serious when considering a very similar moment in Barça's 2-0 win over Leganes when Semedo was ruled offside and Griezmann's goal was ruled out.

RODRIGO GOAL CHALKED 

There was also controversy in Real Madrid-Valencia. Rodrigo scored from close range but VAR ruled it out for an offside against Maxi Gomez. But the former Celta Vigo man neither blocked nor stopped Raphael Varane, who touched the ball through Rodrigo to open the scoring. After, in the second half, Madrid went on to win 3-0. Valencia could not believe it. 

PENALTY ON VINICIUS

On Sunday, Madrid took the lead at Anoeta thanks to a debatable penalty on Vinicius. The Brazilian broke into the area and ended up going down but there was not sufficient contact to clearly give it. Despite referring to VAR, incomprehensibly, the decision stood and Sergio Ramos scored. 

JANUZAJ GOAL CHALKED 

Shortly after Ramos' goal, Januzaj levelled the scores with a fine strike from outside the box. However, VAR intervened in favour of Madrid again to rule it out for an offside against Mikel Merino, who was five meters in front of Courtois -- the Madrid goalkeeper did not complain, nor was his view blocked. But the referees decided to rule the goal out, saying Merino has interfered with the Belgian's vision. 

BENZEMA HANDBALL

As if that wasn't enough, moments later, Benzema made it 2-0 after controlling a cross with his arm. Once again, VAR sided with Madrid, while Casemiro, meanwhile, somehow managed to not be sent off on the night despite being on a booking from early on for an elbow.