Lamine Yamal scored a goal that was not awarded in El Clasico as La Liga does not have goal-line technology. Barcelona manager Xavi and goalkeeper Ter Stegen criticized this lack of technology as “embarrassing” and emphasized the importance of having it in top leagues. Real Madrid eventually won the game with a late goal from Jude Bellingham, nearly sealing the La Liga title for them. Xavi also criticized the referee’s decision to award a penalty to Madrid, adding to Barca’s sense of injustice in the match.
After the game, both Xavi and Ter Stegen expressed their frustration with La Liga’s failure to implement goal-line technology. Ter Stegen called it “embarrassing” for football, considering the amount of money in the industry. Xavi agreed with him, stating that if the league wants to be considered the best in the world, it needs this technology. The controversial decisions in the match, including the disallowed goal and the penalty awarded to Madrid, added to Barca’s sense of injustice and frustration with the refereeing.
Barcelona’s defeat in El Clasico all but ended their hopes of retaining the La Liga title, with Real Madrid now 11 points clear at the top of the table. The focus now shifts for Barcelona to securing second place and qualifying for the Spanish Super Cup next season. Xavi emphasized the need to move on from the defeat and focus on the remaining six matches of the season. Real Madrid, on the other hand, can now concentrate on the Champions League semi-finals where they face Bayern Munich.
La Liga’s lack of goal-line technology has been a long-standing issue, with other top leagues like the Premier League having already implemented it. The controversy in El Clasico highlighted the need for such technology to avoid such contentious decisions in the future. Barcelona’s frustrations with the refereeing and the lack of technology further underscored the importance of modernizing the game and ensuring fair play. Real Madrid’s victory in El Clasico puts them in a strong position to secure the La Liga title, with Barca left to reflect on their missed opportunities and the need for improvements in the league.
Xavi and Ter Stegen’s comments after the match brought attention to the shortcomings in La Liga’s infrastructure and the need for reform. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are powerhouses of European football, and the controversy in this match only added to the rivalry between the two clubs. The focus now for Barca is to secure second place and prepare for the upcoming season, while Real Madrid can look forward to their Champions League campaign. The lack of goal-line technology and the contentious refereeing decisions in El Clasico serve as a reminder of the importance of modernizing the game and ensuring fair play at the highest level.
