Champions League With a numeric ondertal bow to Manchester City last night a crooked situation to be in Gelsenkirchen (2-3). A leading role was again reserved for the VAR. Schalke got to rest two penalty and especially the second did created a buzz of attention. Except for Pep Guardiola, who the videoref and continue to support.
Rollercoaster of emotions yesterday in the Veltins-Arena. After 84 minutes watched De Bruyne and Kompany still against a 2-1-behind. In the meantime, had Otamendi in the showers all looked up after a second yellow card stock. A big stunt was in the making, but the class of substitute Leroy Sané and cut out for sprinter Raheem Sterling turned again the roles. City on and about a combative Schalke 04.
After there was again commotion around the VAR. At the first strafschopfase -Otamendi committed handplay – put ref: Carlos del Cerro only after more than four minutes of doubts the ball on the dot. A technical hitch with the video lag at the base of the stoppage. No doubts about Pep Guardiola, who was fair in his analysis. “It was effectively a penalty kick,” said the City coach. “I’m a big proponent of the VAR. It takes some time, but it’s going to be better. The referee told me that indeed the screen for a while piece was, but I remain a fan of the VAR.”
