In the 86th minute of a 1-1 deadlock, Girona’s Claudio Echeverri contested a loose ball with Jules Koundé. Replays (and this image) show Echeverri’s studs landing directly on Koundé’s ankle. Referee César Soto Grado allowed play to continue, and moments later, Fran Beltrán struck the winning goal to make it 2-1.
Despite the goal-scoring phase starting with this potential foul, VAR David Gálvez did not advise a pitchside review. This is particularly controversial because the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) reportedly admitted just hours later that VAR should have intervened.
Decision: Goal Stood.
❌ Incorrect Decision.
Under current IFAB guidelines, a “stamp” in the build-up to a goal is a factual foul that must be reviewed. The inconsistency is glaring: Soto Grado overturned a similar goal for Barcelona last season for a much lighter contact.
