VIDEO: Leg pass, left foot strike – GOLAZO by Mbappé on a controversial action

Real Madrid entered their Copa del Rey round of 16 match against Celta Vigo under immense pressure, just four days after a painful 2-5 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu was tense, with fans still reeling from the humiliation. The first half of the Copa del Rey match proved to be a cagey affair, devoid of significant action until a controversial moment ignited the game.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 37th minute, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Kylian Mbappé. However, the goal was shrouded in controversy due to a preceding incident.

Just before Mbappé’s stunning strike, Celta Vigo’s Williot Swedberg appeared to be fouled by Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin inside the penalty area. The incident looked like a clear penalty to many observers.

Despite the apparent foul, the referee did not award a penalty to Celta Vigo. Adding to the controversy, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene to review the incident, leaving many perplexed and angered.

Moments later, Mbappé capitalized on the situation, showcasing his exceptional talent with a remarkable goal. He executed a skillful leg pass to create space for himself before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike from a tight angle that found the back of the net.

The goal was a testament to Mbappé’s individual brilliance, but the controversy surrounding the preceding incident overshadowed the celebration. The lack of a penalty call for Celta Vigo and the subsequent Mbappé goal created a significant talking point.

The sequence of events raised questions about the consistency and effectiveness of VAR. Many felt that VAR should have intervened to review the potential foul on Swedberg, which could have drastically altered the course of the game.

The controversy added another layer of tension to an already high-stakes match. Real Madrid, desperate to bounce back from their Super Cup defeat, found themselves in a fortunate position due to the contentious officiating.

At halftime, Real Madrid held a 1-0 lead, thanks to Mbappé’s goal. However, their performance in the first half was largely underwhelming. They were fortunate to be ahead, given the circumstances surrounding the goal.

Mbappé’s goal marked his sixteenth of the season for Real Madrid, further solidifying his status as a key player for the team. However, the controversy surrounding the goal detracted from his individual achievement.

The incident sparked heated debate among fans, pundits, and commentators. Many questioned the referee’s decision and the lack of VAR intervention, while others defended the officials, arguing that the contact was not sufficient for a penalty.

The controversy surrounding the Mbappé goal and the potential foul on Swedberg became a major talking point after the match. It highlighted the ongoing debate about the use of VAR and the need for greater consistency in officiating.

The incident also served as a reminder of the fine margins that often determine the outcome of football matches. A single decision, or lack thereof, can have a significant impact on the game.

The match between Real Madrid and Celta Vigo, while significant for its Copa del Rey implications, became most memorable for the controversy surrounding Mbappé’s goal.

This incident is likely to fuel further discussions about the role of VAR in football and the need for continuous improvement in officiating standards. The controversy surrounding the goal took center stage, overshadowing the rest of the match and creating a lasting talking point.