The spectacular 4-4 between Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona at Montjuïc left an open tie for the return leg at the Metropolitano. However, the match was not without controversy. One of the most discussed moments was the third goal by the blaugrana, scored by Íñigo Martínez from a corner kick.
The goal sparked intense debate on Tiempo de Juego on COPE. There, Petón, a commentator and well-known Atlético supporter, expressed his outrage over a possible foul by Cubarsí on Marcos Llorente during the play.
Petón Protests Íñigo Martínez's Goal: "If You Hold Him, You Prevent Him from Defending"
The third goal for Barcelona came in the 45th minute, just before halftime. From a corner kick taken by Raphinha, Íñigo Martínez appeared at the far post to head the ball past Musso. However, in the preceding action, Cubarsí seemed to hold Llorente, preventing him from contesting the ball.
From the VAR, Trujillo Suárez did not consider it a foul, nor did the match referee, Hernández Hernández. But Petón did not see it that way and made it clear during the broadcast. "If you hold him and he can't move in the area to defend, it prevents him from following the footballer he has to mark." For the analyst, Cubarsí's action on Llorente was enough to invalidate the goal, as the Atlético midfielder was unable to compete in the play.
Pedro Martín Contradicts Petón: "There's No Foul"
Journalist Pedro Martín, also present on the program, offered an opposing view and explained why the goal was legal. "There's no foul. He obstructs the player, but there's no foul. If we call all those, there's no goal from a corner in any match. When Llorente wants to move, Íñigo Martínez has already gained five meters on him."
For Martín, the action falls within the usual disputes in the area during set pieces, without constituting a foul. Beyond the controversy, Atlético managed to tie the match in stoppage time thanks to Sorloth, leaving everything to be decided in the return leg on April 3 at the Metropolitano.
The tension between both teams promises to rise in the second round. At the Metropolitano, Simeone's team will try to leverage the support of their fans to secure a place in the Copa del Rey final.