Explained: Why did the referee deny Inter and Lautaro Martinez a penalty after a VAR review? Milan breathes a great sigh of relief.
In a dramatic turn of events during the Champions League semi-final between Inter and Milan, referee Jesus Gil Manzano initially awarded a penalty to Inter but then controversially overturned his decision. The incident occurred when Inter's Lautaro Martinez went down in the box after apparent contact from Milan's Simon Kjaer, leading to a booking for the Danish defender. However, after consulting with the VAR system, Manzano reviewed the footage and deemed that there had been a clear and obvious error.
With Milan already trailing 2-0 and struggling defensively, the penalty decision could have potentially sealed their fate in the first leg of the semi-final. The spot-kick would have likely given Inter a commanding 3-0 lead before halftime. However, the reversed decision provided a lifeline for Milan, who now have a chance to regroup and potentially turn the tie around.
The match started with a bang as Edin Dzeko unleashed a stunning volley to give Inter the lead after just eight minutes. The Rossoneri's defense continued to falter, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan took advantage, extending Inter's lead to 2-0. Milan found themselves in a state of disarray and were dealt another blow when Ismael Bennacer was forced off the field due to injury. The first half was completely dominated by Inter, and Milan struggled to gain any control or momentum.
The penalty incident, however, injected fresh hope into Milan's campaign. The decision to overturn the penalty not only prevented a potential third goal for Inter but also allowed Milan to regroup during halftime and come back with renewed determination in the second half.
The match now hangs in the balance as Milan looks to capitalize on the lifeline they have been given. While trailing by two goals is still a significant deficit, the reversal of the penalty decision offers a glimmer of hope.
Milan will need to address their defensive frailties and find a way to break through Inter's solid backline. On the other hand, Inter will be disappointed with the turn of events but will aim to maintain their advantage and secure a positive result in the second leg.
The controversy surrounding the penalty decision and its subsequent reversal will undoubtedly spark debates and discussions among football fans and pundits. Refereeing decisions, especially those involving VAR, often generate contrasting opinions. In this particular case, Manzano's interpretation of the incident and his subsequent change of heart will be scrutinized and analyzed in the aftermath of the match.
As the two teams prepare for the second leg, the stakes are high, and the outcome remains uncertain. Milan will be eager to seize their opportunity and make a comeback, while Inter will be determined to defend their advantage and secure a spot in the Champions League final. Only time will tell how this captivating semi-final clash unfolds and which team will ultimately emerge victorious.
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