Should Man City’s Bernabeu goal have been disallowed?

An image purporting to show definitive proof that the ball had gone out of play before Manchester City equalised against Real Madrid has been scrutinised. 

Broadcaster beIN SPORTS shared an ‘exclusive’ image claiming the ball had in fact gone out before Bernardo Silva was able to hook it in play. 

Using a series of TV camera angles a 3D image has been created and Real Madrid were left furious over the decision, which saw manager Carlo Ancelotti booked for his protestations. 

But the image is not definitive or official, and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger questioned whether there was even the technology available to give officials conclusive proof either way.

‘It is a typical situation of do we go [to the VAR]. The VAR normally should check if the goal is regular or not,’ Wenger said on beIN SPORTS.

Bernardo Silva looked to have just kept it in, but the broadcaster claimed it had gone out

A phase of play later and Kevin De Bruyne (middle) equalised for Manchester City in Spain

‘In a situation like that they have to intervene.

‘They did not go far enough back to check if the ball was out or not, or they did not have the potential to check if the ball was out or not.’

He added: ‘I think I would go for the second [option] because normally the VAR cannot check on the side-line, only on the goal-line.’

The ball was played to Silva down the line by Walker and it appeared it was just kept in on the right side, before the ball was played inside to defender Ruben Dias.

From there it was fed to De Bruyne and while Real Madrid recovered possession – triggering a new phase of play it can be argued – they would swiftly lose it again as Jack Grealish teed up De Bruyne to score.  

‘It seemed to me that the ball went out,’ Ancelotti fumed to Movistar+. 

‘In addition, the previous play was a corner. The referee has not been attentive. And he has given me a yellow card. 

‘I have told him that the cards have to be taken from those inside the field, not to those outside.’

Mail Sport has reached out to beIN SPORTS for comment.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was booked as he raged about decision not to give a throw-in

In the end it would prove a decisive goal as the two sides settled the first leg of this semi-final tie all-square at 1-1.

City started the game stronger but were rocked when Vinicius Jnr produced a rocket to fire Champions League holders Real into an early lead.

The hosts continued to assert their dominance before De Bruyne levelled it with a sweet low strike from the edge of the box.

It took quick reflexes from City goalkeeper Ederson in the closing stages to deny substitute Aurelien Tchouameni in the final stages. The two sides meet in Manchester next Wednesday to decide who will make it to the final.