VAR spared the officials’ blushes following a controversial incident in Barcelona’s Champions League match with Benfica on Tuesday night.
After winning last week’s first leg 1-0 in Lisbon, Barcelona were well on their way to the quarter-finals after taking a 2-1 lead into the closing stages of the first half.
In the 42nd minute, left back Alejandro Balde charged forward before playing the ball through to Raphinha.
The Brazilian forward found the corner of the net, while Balde was simultaneously taken out by Benfica defender Nicolas Otamendi.
Raphinha wheeled away to celebrate, only for the assistant referee’s flag to go up for offside.
After a brief pause, the referee cancelled the goal and awarded Barcelona a free-kick on the edge of the box before booking Otamendi for his late challenge.
Raphinha had his goal against Benfica disallowed for offside by the on-field officials
The referee went back and gave a free-kick before booking Nicolas Otamendi
After a VAR check, the goal was given and Otamendi’s yellow card was rescinded
The Barcelona players appeared perplexed, while TNT Sports’ commentary team of Sam Matterface and Glenn Hoddle also appeared confused by what was going on.
Just as the referee was about to line the wall up, he then blew his whistle after receiving word from VAR that Raphinha was actually onside.
The home crowd erupted while Raphinha went off to celebrate for the second time after a delay of over a minute.
Meanwhile, Otamendi’s yellow card was rescinded as the referee moved to correct his blunder.
Barcelona’s third of the evening put them 4-1 up on aggregate after a dominant first-half display.
Raphinha gave them the lead on the night in the 11th minute, only for Otamendi to give Benfica with a header two minutes later.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal put the hosts back in front with a stunning curled effort, becoming the youngest player in Champions League history to score and assist in the same match.
It was then left to Raphinha to cap off an excellent first half for Barcelona as they continued their march towards the last eight.
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