Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández slammed La Liga for not employing goal-line technology after his team lost 3-2 in Sunday’s Clasico, leaving Real Madrid on the brink of the title.
The manager was furious when Lamine Yamal took a shot, and Barcelona announced that the shot had crossed the line and was not recognized as a goal, as officials could not prove that VAR had been used.
With the score at 1-1, Yamal deftly flicked a corner kick towards goal and Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin pushed the ball safely over the line.
Xavi said it was a “disgrace” and complained that the technology used in other top leagues, including the Premier League, was not available in La Liga.
“If we want to be the best league in the world, we have to progress in this sense and we have to bring in technology.”
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen also agreed with his coach.
“It’s an embarrassment for the world of football. I’m speechless,” the German player said.
“This world is full of money, but the most important thing is not money.”
Jude Bellingham’s late winner left champions Barcelona 11 points behind Real Madrid with six games remaining.
“(Madrid) had a great league. We lost just one game and it was almost over,” admitted Xavi.
“I think in the games that we play, we usually win.
“We competed very well. I think we deserved the three points.”
Xavi’s counterpart Carlo Ancelotti is happy with his Madrid team after beating Manchester City on penalties on Wednesday to reach the Champions League semi-finals and produce a late Clasico winner. he said.
“I’m very proud, because it was two very tough games,” the coach said.
“Now we have to prepare for the end of the season, but we are in a very good position.”
RB/DJ
