FC Barcelona's 0-1 defeat by Real Sociedad at Anoeta left a huge controversy that continues to create mixed opinions. In a very balanced match, both teams had their chances. Hoewever, it was the home team who knew how to take better advantage of the opportunity. They found their way with a goal from Becker that gave them the three points. However, what really caught the attention was a goal disallowed for Lewandowski. The shot was dismissed for being offside after an erroneous and hasty review by the VAR.
The goal came early, in the 12th minute, when the score was still 0-0. Barça's 9 pushed the ball into the net. However, to everyone's surprise, it was ruled out for offside. The VAR intervened, but did so by making a blatant mistake by confusing Lewandowski's foot with that of a Real Sociedad defender.
The move could have certainly changed the course of the match but in the end it came to nothing. Real Sociedad ended up securing the three points comfortably, while Hansi Flick's men were unable to turn the scoreboard around. LaLiga is tightening its grip after the serious error by the VAR. Josep Pedrerol wanted to react to what happened with a bold message that is causing a lot of talk.
Josep Pedrerol Warns Hansi Flick after Anoeta: "Let's be Clear"
The controversy caused by the VAR decision was immediate. The image of the play left clear doubts about the decision taken. It is understandable that some Barça players and members of the coaching staff expressed their discontent. In the case of Josep Pedrerol, it makes no sense.
Hansi Flick, for example, didn't hide his displeasure: "I saw the photos and the decision was wrong. It was a valid goal, it's very clear. The goal had to be allowed." Reasonable statements in light of what happened. Still, they were interpreted by Josep Pedrerol as an excuse for the defeat.
Thus, the presenter of El Chiringuito de Jugones, as usual, didn't hesitate to reply firmly to Hansi Flick's statements. Josep Pedrerol said that neither the disallowed goal nor the VAR were determining factors in Barça's defeat. In fact, he stated categorically that "Real Madrid was better than Barça and deserved to win, Imanol gave Hansi Flick a beating."
Josep Pedrerol's criticism focused on the fact that Barça, despite the controversial play, was not up to the task of the match. Therefore, he made it clear that, beyond the VAR error, the responsibility for the defeat fell on Hansi Flick, who was unable to counteract a very well-organized opponent.