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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Leander Schaerlaeckens

MYSTERIOUS: Atletico controversy shows var creates far more angst than it resolves - You Need To See This

Szymon Marciniak, referee of the match, in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF.
Szymon Marciniak disallowed an Atlético Madrid penalty on advice from the VAR. Photograph: Oscar J Barroso/AFP7/REX/Shutterstock

The number on the sign displayed prominently by the entrance of the football universe had been wiped away. IT HAS NOW BEEN … 0… DAYS SINCE THE LAST VAR CONTROVERSY.

The second leg of a scintillating Madrid derby in the Champions League round of 16 went to penalties on Wednesday, sending Real through over Atlético. Antonio Rüdiger hit the winning spot kick, but the shootout truly turned on an especially eagle-eyed call by the video assistant referee.

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