Why Liverpool Were Not Awarded Penalty for Handball vs. Real Madrid

A lengthy VAR check went Real Madrid’s way in the first half denying the hosts a penalty.

Real Madrid avoided a scare in the first half. | Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Liverpool thought they had a penalty in the first half of their Champions League match against Real Madrid after a Dominik Szoboszlai strike hit Aurélien Tchouaméni in the left arm.

A cagey first half reached a boiling point in the first half when play was halted in the 30th minute. Szoboszlai unleashed a right-footed effort across his body into traffic as the ball collided with Tchouaméni. As soon as the contact happened, referee István Kovács blew his whistle to award a free-kick from a dangerous area.

Upon further scrutiny during a VAR check, it was determined Tchouaméni was inside the penalty area when the ball struck him. Since it was a potential penalty check, the handball was further scrutinised.

Officials determined, per Amazon Prime, that Tchouaméni’s arm was close to his body and in a natural position when contact with the ball was made. A major let off for Madrid, but frustration for Liverpool as the Anfield crowd loudly voiced their displeasure with the ruling. The game restarted with a drop-ball.

Liverpool outshot Real Madrid in the first half and had a higher xG (0.71 to 0.21), but both sides had just a single big chance each. Thibaut Courtois did well to deny Szoboszlai prior to the VAR review, but

Coming into the match, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield since completing a summer move to Los Blanco stole headlines. Though, he was named to the bench to begin the game.

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