Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ajax vs Real Madrid: Nicolas Tagliafico goal ruled out by VAR to reprieve Thibaut Courtois blunder

Nicolas Tagliafico appeared to have scored a close-range header after Courtois had fumbled a straightfoward save back into the danger zone

Wednesday 13 February 2019 21:40 GMT
Comments
Thibaut Courtois looks on crestfallen before his reprieve
Thibaut Courtois looks on crestfallen before his reprieve

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had his blushes saved by VAR when the video official intervened to chalk off what Ajax thought was a crucial opening goal in the Champions League tie.

Nicolas Tagliafico appeared to have scored a close-range header after Courtois had fumbled a straightfoward save back into the danger zone.

However, after the referee consulted a screen on the side of the pitch he ruled out the goal. The video official deemed Dusan Tadic to have been in an offside decision, and the referee on the field then concluded the winger had interfered with Courtois attempted to make a save.

It was a quetionable decision to say the least, with Courtois seemingly beaten with or without the influence of Tadic, so the Belgian would have been relieved to see the call overturned.

The incident made Champions League history as the first time a goal has been ruled out by VAR in Europe’s premier competition.

It meant Ajax and Real Madrid went into half-time in the first leg all square and goalless.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in