'Undoubtedly stupid': Fans divided over Champions League drama
The football world is divided over a controversial moment in the first half between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League when the Spaniards were denied a penalty.
With Chelsea 1-0 up in the tie and playing at home, the match got off to a blistering start with the Premier League team dominating possession.
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But after the dust settled, Atletico Madrid clawed their way back into the game and some fans feel hard done by after a moment of madness from César Azpilicueta.
The defender passed the ball back to Edouardo Mendy, but panicked after realising the ball had put his goal keeper under pressure.
Yannick Carrasco seized on the opportunity and rushed to put Mendy under pressure.
But in a controversial moment, Azpilicueta decided to wrap his arm around the Atletico winger in an attempt to slow him down.
Carrasco went down under the touch, albeit softly, but no penalty was given and the ref did not check the moment on VAR as play continued.
The contact had many calling for a penalty considering the winger was attempting to intercept the ball.
Others felt it would have been harsh to award a penalty, but agreed it was silly of Azpilicueta to even reach for the opponent.
#CHEATM Azpilicueta'nın kolu düşürmek için yeterli olmasa da Carrasco topa yetişebilir. nasıl penaltı çalınmaz? pic.twitter.com/QQ4jtAGuUf
— JT (@jjaysontatum) March 17, 2021
No chance mate, Carrasco went down way too easily for it to be a foul
— LM (@LMart1224) March 17, 2021
Would be extremely soft but undoubtedly stupid from Azpilicueta
— Rik Sharma (@riksharma_) March 17, 2021
I’m just gonna say this. The Azpilicueta/Carrasco scenario - in other games - has been given before. I know, I know, it’s incredibly childish and yes, I am starting sh—- with this, but if that’s Real Madrid or United, they 100% give it.
Here come the replies...— Luis Miguel Echegaray (@lmechegaray) March 17, 2021
Atletico want a penalty...#CHEATM
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) March 17, 2021
Carrasco wants a penalty... Ref not interested
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) March 17, 2021
VAR #ChampionsLeague
— Norman Jani (@jani_norman) March 17, 2021
How on earth is that not even worth a VAR check? Not saying it was definitely a penalty because Carrasco made the most of it but surely worthy of a check.#CHEATM #UCL #ChampionsLeague
— Danny (@DAracinghorse) March 17, 2021
Azpilicueta what hell are doing#CHEATM #ChampionsLeague
— Mr modiba (@Conquermodiba) March 17, 2021
That's a penalty.... #CHEATM #ChampionsLeague
— Victor Carrasco (@vikmnilu) March 17, 2021
Chelsea take advantage of Atletico misfortune
The missed opportunity came back to haunt Atletico Madrid as Chelsea capitalised on a wonderful counter attack.
Timo Werner charged down the left hand side before squaring the ball to Hakim Ziyech who slotted it home under the hand of Oblak.
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