Goal, no goal, goal. Or not? Bayer Leverkusen had an evening against FC Porto, in which no hit was safe from the technology. The Werkself had the video evidence on their side.
Photo series with 26 pictures
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Bayer Leverkusen made a successful debut in the knockout phase of the Europa League. The FC Leverkusen won 2-1 (1-0) against FC Porto. Lucas Alario (29th minute) and Kai Havertz (57th) scored for Bayer, Luis Diaz (73th) created the result.
All German teams victorious
The game against FC Porto was the “tough fight expected” for Lars Bender, but the emotional ups and downs from the video evidence found the captain of Bayer Leverkusen almost even more exhausting. “You are raised five times and you get hit on the head five times,” said the former international. “But luckily this time we made the decisions.”
Nevertheless, in the end it was almost only talked about the video evidence. And that on its first day in the Europa League. Anyone who thought that all scenarios had been experienced since the general introduction of the VAR was once again disabused.
The complaints from the postage players didn’t help. (Source: Federico Gambarini / dpa)
None of the participants could remember a situation in which a goal like Lucas Alario’s (29th) was given, then denied and then scored again. And the fact that a penalty like Kai Havertz’s (57.), who was initially missed, was repeated due to VAR intervention because the goalkeeper moved too early was a first in a UEFA competition.
“But I’m not a VAR either”
“Shooting a 911 is always bitter. But in the end I don’t give a shit because the second was in,” said Havertz, who was visibly relieved, for whom it was the first goal after twelve European Cup appearances. Regardless, he was “a supporter of the video evidence,” the international assured. “Of course it sucks if you have to stand in the cold for two or three minutes during the decision,” said the 20-year-old. “But that’s what the rule entails. But in the end it gets fairer.”
Kai Havertz: The Bayer star got another chance for his penalty. (Source: Eibner / imago images)
His coach saw it differently in relation to this scene. When asked if he would have had the penalty repeated, Bosz replied frankly and honestly: “No. I didn’t. But I am not a VAR either.” The Dutchman is actually a supporter of the video evidence, “but we can’t overdo it,” he said.
Tricky starting point
But all Leverkusen on Thursday evening were really annoyed only about the goal of Zé Luis 17 minutes before the end. That made a brilliant starting point for the second leg in Portugal on February 27th a tricky one.
“If you lead 2-0 and then you get a goal, you can’t be satisfied with it,” said Bosz, who still sees good chances of reaching the round of 16: “We won the game. And we score almost every game . Even abroad. “
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