Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona controversy, Inter Milan handball is ignored, Barcelona is awarded a penalty kick to become the focus

In the early morning of May 7, 2025, in the focus match between Inter Milan and Barcelona in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals, the game process was tense and fierce, but many controversial penalty also triggered widespread discussion. The game was full of gunpowder from the beginning. In the third minute of the game, Barcelona young player Yamal was knocked down by Inter defender Dimarco on the wing. Barcelona's bench reaction was strong, especially central defender Ronald Araujo was emotional and asked the referee to show a yellow card. However, referee Maziniak handled it decisively and did not make any penalty. According to the analysis of Iturald Gonzalez, an expert from Spanish "As", this is just an ordinary foul and is not worth playing.

Just two minutes later, it was Inter Milan's turn to protest. Eric Garcia pulled his opponent in the fight, but Maziniak once again chose to maintain the original judgment and did not give a yellow card warning. Analysts believe that the referee hopes to keep the game smooth and avoid premature interruption of the rhythm.

Inter Milan's first goal caused controversy

The Nerazzurri's first goal also caused controversy: Dumfries successfully offside and then assisted Lautaro with a cross. Barcelona believes that Olmo had been violated before when he conceded the ball. However, after replay analysis, Iturard said: "Olmo was not significantly disturbed and the goal was valid." The handball dispute reappeared in the 25th minute, Pedri's shot was blocked by Archelby, and Barcelona players collectively complained about the opponent's handball. However, after VAR intervened, it was determined that the ball first hit Archerby's body and then bounced to the shoulder, which was not intentional handball, so there was no need for a penalty kick.

The most controversial scene of VAR controversial penalty

occurred in the first half stoppage time: Lautaro was knocked down by Kubasi when he broke into the penalty area. At first the referee did not say anything, but the penalty kick was awarded after watching VAR.

In response, Iturard explained: "Slow motion shows that Lautaro did touch the ball first, but Kubasi did not make a clearance move, but tripped him, which was obviously a penalty kick." But he also admitted that surprisingly, Kubasi did not receive a yellow card in this foul.

The end of the game, Yamal fell to the ground in the penalty area twice, but neither received a penalty. One of them was confirmed by VAR that the foul occurred outside the penalty area, so the referee finally gave the free kick to the edge of the penalty area.

Iturard further explained: "For pulling fouls, the position judged is based on the position at the end of the action; and if it is a tackle, the position at the beginning of the action is standard. Yamal's breakthrough this time started outside the penalty area, so the penalty cannot be awarded."

Record classic duel

Despite many controversies, this game is still one of the most exciting semi-finals in Champions League history. The total score 7-6 not only set a record for single-group matchups in the knockout stage, but also presented a football feast with ups and downs and climaxes to the fans.