Karim Benzema put the ball into the net in the Liverpool area during the Champions League final, but his goal was deemed offside, know the rule explained
Karim Benzema’s goal against Liverpool was overturned because the striker was caught offside as Alisson advanced out of his goal. The verdict was also upheld by the video assistance referees because Fabinho’s contact was not a clear purposeful pass, so Benzema was still seen to be offside.
Know Why Was Karim Benzema Goal Ruled Offside In The Champions League 2022 Final, Rule Explained
Benzema grabbed onto a high pass over the top during Real Madrid’s Champions League final versus Real Madrid. He dribbled past Alisson, who got a touch on the ball before it struck Ibrahima Konate and then the goalie again.The ball then bounced off Konate, Fede Valverde, Konate again, and Fabinho before falling back to the 34-year-old. After that, the striker put the ball past Alisson.
After a defensive skirmish in the Liverpool area, Benzema tucked the ball into the net in the 43rd minute, but the Frenchman’s celebrations were cut short when the assistant raised his flag. The video assistant referee (VAR) check took nearly two minutes before the assistant’s judgement was affirmed, despite widespread doubt over the offside regulation.
What actually happened?
Although there was still a Liverpool defender between Benzema, the goal referee Clement Turpin and his colleagues determined it was offside. For a forward to be offside, there must be two players between him and the goal – either a goalie and an outfield player or two outfield players. The inference was that Valverde got the key, deliberate touch.
It was referred to Jerome Brisard, video assistant referee, and his assistants Willy Delajod, Massimiliano Irrati, and Filippo Meli. They did not overrule the on-pitch judgement after watching the film for three minutes and 22 seconds.
The ball was uncertain if it was passed by Valverde, with video replays showing it came off Fabinho, but the verdict remained and Benzema was denied an early goal.
According to BT Sport’s Peter Walton, the goal should have been disallowed since it was a deflection from Fabinho rather than an intentional pass.
What does the rule say?
According to the offside rule, if the goalie is the second-last opponent and you are behind him, you are offside. However, if there are two players behind the goalie, like in this case, you will only be considered offside if you are ahead of the second-last opponent.
While the final touch before Benzema’s finish looked to come from Fabinho, it was declared an error.
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