Liverpool secured a win over the La Liga giants thanks to a late header from Virgil van Dijk much to the frustration of Atletico fans who left Anfield broken hearted. However, The Reds nearly blew the win after a quick comeback from Atletico to make it 2-2.
The first came as Marcos Llorente scored the first of his brace, but Antoine Griezmann’s position has raised a lot of debate. Former referee Mark Clattenburg believes Griezmann’s position was offside and affected goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s line of sight.
“Atletico Madrid were awarded a goal just before half time and it has a suspicion of offside,” the ex-official told TBR Football.
“Antoine Griezmann is clearly in an offside position close to the goalkeeper. For an offside to be called, Griezmann has to be in the line of the vision of the goalkeeper or affecting his ability to play the ball.
“When Marcos Llorente shoots to the goal, I believe that Ibrahima Konate is blocking the goalkeeper’s initial vision, but I also believe Griezmann to be affecting the goalkeeper’s vision when he is so close to the line of the ball, and also making a gesture to avoid the ball.
“This – in my opinion – affects Alisson’s ability to save the ball and therefore the goal should have been disallowed.”
Clattenburg’s comments highlight a recurring concern around VAR consistency as the goal could have been ruled out if different officials were in charge. Journalist Henry Winter took to X and showed his bemusement with the goal being allowed which summed up many supporter’s feelings.
"Antoine Griezmann couldn’t have blocked Alisson’s vision more if he’d brought a sightscreen along.
"How on earth was that Atletico goal given? Griezmann has to be interfering. VAR having a mixed half."