Controversy over VAR decision on the decisive goal in the PSG vs Barca clash

PSG secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League, yet Gonçalo Ramos's decisive goal remains controversial due to claims that VAR reviewed an incorrect frame for the offside check. What really happened?

The PSG vs Barcelona match in the Champions League once again highlighted how VAR technology remains a hot topic for discussion. In the moment leading to the 2-1 winning goal, the VAR team froze the frame when the ball had already left Achraf Hakimi’s foot, instead of the exact moment he started the pass. This caused many to believe that Gonçalo Ramos was offside, as the Portuguese striker appeared ahead of Barcelona’s defense when receiving the ball.

However, according to FIFA’s rules, Gonçalo Ramos was not offside. The fundamental principle in the law is to always consider the position of the ball first: if the ball is behind the attacking player receiving it, then offside should not be called. This is why there is never offside from corner kicks, since the ball is placed on the goal line behind the receiver. In this case, Gonçalo Ramos was behind the ball at the moment Hakimi passed it, making the goal completely valid.

Despite this, Barcelona players reacted strongly on the field. They argued that VAR selected the wrong frame and overlooked that Ramos was ahead of the defensive line. After the match, public opinion was sharply divided: some fans claimed Barca was again a victim of an unfavorable decision, while others saw this as a clear example to better understand the offside rule.

The offside rule has long been a subject of debate because even a slight error in timing or position can change the outcome of a match. VAR was introduced to assist but still cannot avoid controversial moments like in the PSG vs Barcelona game. The mistake in frame selection highlights the complexity of applying technology in football, especially since the offside rule itself is already confusing to many viewers.

The 2-1 win gives PSG a significant advantage in the first leg, while Barcelona must fight back in upcoming matches if they hope to advance. But above all, fans are left wondering: does VAR truly deliver absolute fairness in modern football, or will it forever remain at the heart of endless disputes?