Real Madrid 2-1 Bayern Munich: Champions League talking points as Thomas Tuchel rages at offside ghost goal by Matthijs de Ligt
"It's a disastrous decision from the linesman and from the referee. It feels almost like a betrayal."
Thomas Tuchel took no time in bringing up the elephant in the room in his post-match interview. The Bayern Munich boss clearly felt Matthijs de Ligt's last-minute equaliser which cost his side in their Champions League semi-final loss to Real Madrid should have stood after the officials called offside too early.
There is no doubt the linesman and referee Szymon Marciniak should have waited to call offside and let play develop to allow VAR to check everything. It was a clear mistake and both officials apologised to Tuchel and the Bayern players.
But doubts remain over whether the early whistle actually stopped a clear goal. Two Real Madrid defenders stopped after the whistle went, which allowed Thomas Muller to head towards De Ligt. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin also made no attempt to save De Ligt's shot once the whistle went.
Yes, Bayern were denied a clear shot on goal, but would Real have successfully defended that whole opportunity had the whistle not gone?
Either way, this is a debate that will go long beyond Wednesday night's full-time whistle.
Sam Blitz
Eight years ago this week, Joselu sat unused on the Selhurst Park substitutes' bench, not even deemed good enough to come on and rescue a result for Stoke, who ended up losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace.
Nobody would have backed the Spanish striker to eventually send Real Madrid to a Champions League final with two goals against Bayern Munich. But that's just how football works sometimes.
In fact, it's how Real Madrid operate. The Spanish side have won four matches despite conceding the first goal in the UEFA Champions League this season, the most since - yep you guessed it, Real
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