Barcelona vs Dortmund: Was Raphinha Offside for the First Goal? Was the VAR decision Right?

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Barcelona have taken the lead in their quarterfinal tie of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday (April 9).

Raphinha scored in the 25th minute of the match to give Barcelona the lead but it was only cleared after an extensive VAR check.

Fermin Lopez delivered the set-piece deep into the penalty area, where Inigo Martinez headed the ball back across goal. Pau Cubarsí then directed it toward the net, and Raphinha ensured it crossed the line by sliding in at the back post. The goal underwent a VAR review due to a potential offside, but it was ultimately upheld, giving Barcelona the lead. ​

Was Raphinha Offside?

Regarding the legitimacy of the goal, no significant controversies or disputes were reported. The match officials upheld the goal after the intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), indicating that Raphinha was onside and no infractions occurred during the buildup. Therefore, the goal was correctly awarded and should have stood.

The replay showed that the Brazilian was behind the final Dortmund defender, and hence it was a legitimate goal for the Blaugranas. Although when he contacted the ball was beyond any defenders, but the former Leeds man was onside when Pau Cubarsi headed towards Raphinha for his tap-in.

Barcelona have been the dominant force so far in the match as they lead 1-0 after 35 minutes in the 1st leg in the Spanish city.