Athletic Membership defender Mikel Balenziaga has slammed VAR’s choice to cancel out his workforce’s equalizer in a 1-0 La Liga loss to Barcelona on Sunday (March 12).
Barcelona took the lead via a well-taken purpose from Raphinha in first-half stoppage time, who was initially adjudged to be offside. A VAR test meant the purpose was rightly awarded to the guests.
Athletic Membership thought they’d an equalizer after Inaki Williams raced away from Barca’s protection to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen in a one-on-one scenario. After a VAR test, the place the referee noticed a replay of the incident on the pitch-side monitor, the purpose was dominated out for handball by Iker Muniain.
The second got here within the 88th minute, which may have sealed no less than a degree for the hosts in opposition to the La Liga leaders. There was debate as as to if Muniain had any selection however to guard himself along with his left hand as a consequence of Frenkie de Jong’s presence in a 50-50 problem.
Balenziaga believes the purpose ought to have stood. The left-back mentioned after the full-time whistle at San Mames (h/t @ReshadRehman_):
“We didn’t need to lose, I believe the purpose was unfairly canceled.”
Athletic Membership had a number of probabilities to open their tally within the sport. Alex Berenguer’s nook kick was headed onto the bar by Mikel Vesga 12 minutes from half-time earlier than the previous himself struck the put up within the 71st minute.
Ter Stegen then saved a shot from Williams eight minutes later which was destined for the far nook. After being denied an equalizer, Athletic Membership had three bites on the cherry three minutes into stoppage time.
Nico Williams fluffed his shot utterly contained in the field earlier than Barcelona managed to clear the ball off the road twice. The win ensures that the Catalan giants will play in El Clasico with a nine-point lead over their rivals on March 19.
Xavi praises Barcelona star after Athletic Membership show
Supervisor Xavi Hernandez praised Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde after his show in Barcelona’s win in opposition to Athletic Membership.
The 19-year-old made seven recoveries, accomplished 90% of his 49 passes, created two probabilities for his teammates and accomplished all 5 of his tried dribbles (h/t FotMob).
Xavi mentioned after the sport, through ElDesmarque (h/t Heavy.com):
“The ceiling is to proceed enjoying for Barça. He’s within the nationwide workforce, he has already performed in a World Cup. He makes a distinction in protection and assault. He’s at a excessive degree and he’s giving us quite a bit. He’s the shock of the season. He’s the revelation. He may be what he needs.”
The four-cap Spain worldwide has laid out 4 assists in 22 league video games this season.