Offside chaos: The most controversial disallowed goal in LaLiga this season
Celta Vigo's Borja Iglesias saw a crucial strike ruled out against Espanyol in a decision that's sparked debate about offside interpretation in Spanish football.
A controversial VAR decision that left Celta Vigo gaffer Claudio Giráldez scratching his head has become one of the most contentious moments in LaLiga this season. “The referee decided that way and we have to accept it… but it’s difficult,” admitted the coach after the match.
The Incident
The drama unfolded in the 82nd minute at the RCDE Stadium with Espanyol and Celta locked at 1-1. Borja Iglesias, lying on the deck in the six-yard box after a tussle with Cabrera, poked home what would’ve been Celta’s second goal. The striker was in an offside position when the initial ball came in, but Espanyol’s El Hilali appeared to touch the ball before it reached Iglesias.
After a lengthy VAR review, referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernández disallowed the goal, much to Celta’s dismay. The match eventually ended 2-2, with Dolan scoring for Espanyol before Iglesias grabbed a 93rd-minute equaliser.
The Explanation
Giráldez revealed the referee’s justification to DAZN post-match:
- The touch from El Hilali was deemed unintentional
- This meant Iglesias remained offside from the original pass
- The Celta bench received no explanation during the game
Expert Opinion
The decision has sparked serious debate among Spanish football experts. Former international referee Pérez Burrull, speaking as Radio MARCA’s refereeing analyst, believes the goal should have stood.
According to Burrull, this was “an incorrect interpretation of the offside rule.” His view is that the Espanyol defender deliberately played the ball along the ground, which should have reset the offside phase and made Iglesias’ position legal.
The Aftermath
The controversy adds to the growing discussion about VAR implementation and offside interpretations in Spanish football. For Celta, it was a case of what might have been, though Iglesias’ late equaliser did at least secure them a point in what’s becoming a proper dog’s dinner of a relegation scrap.