Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and manager Xavi Hernandez expressed frustration and disbelief at the absence of goal-line technology in LaLiga following their team’s 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clásico.
The match at the Santiago Bernabéu saw controversy arise when VAR had to intervene to determine if Andriy Lunin had prevented Lamine Yamal’s shot from crossing the line at a crucial moment in the game. The lack of technology to definitively determine such situations left both Ter Stegen and Xavi bewildered.
Ter Stegen condemned the situation, labeling it as “embarrassing for football” and questioning why there isn’t adequate investment in such essential technologies. Xavi echoed his sentiments, describing the loss to Madrid as a significant injustice and emphasizing the necessity of goal-line technology in modern football.
The defeat, Barcelona’s third in El Clásico this season, was particularly disheartening given the circumstances. Xavi lamented the absence of goal-line technology, emphasizing its importance for a league that aspires to be regarded as the best in the world.
The post-match sentiments from both Ter Stegen and Xavi underscored their frustration with the officiating and the lack of technological support to ensure fair play.
Earlier criticisms of LaLiga’s decision not to implement goal-line technology were met with responses from league president Javier Tebas, who highlighted instances of its failures in other leagues. However, the focus remains on the need for such technology to prevent controversies like the one witnessed in El Clásico.
Despite a promising start for Barcelona with Andreas Christensen’s early goal, they couldn’t maintain their lead against a resilient Real Madrid side. Vinícius Júnior and Lucas Vázquez’s goals, along with Jude Bellingham’s late winner, secured a crucial victory for Los Blancos in the title race.
Xavi praised his team’s efforts but acknowledged that mistakes had cost them dearly. The defeat raises questions about his future as Barcelona’s coach, especially after recent disappointments in the Champions League and El Clásico.
However, Xavi remained focused on the immediate future, emphasizing the need to regroup and prepare for upcoming fixtures. Despite the setback, he maintained his commitment to achieving Barcelona’s objectives for the remainder of the season.
As LaLiga reaches its conclusion, the absence of goal-line technology continues to be a point of contention, with voices growing louder for its implementation to ensure fairness and accuracy in crucial moments like El Clásico.
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