In a dramatic Copa del Rey semi-final, Barcelona had a goal disallowed after an extensive VAR review that lasted eight minutes, causing significant outrage among the team and fans. The incident occurred in the second half after Barcelona found themselves trailing 4-0 at halftime. The goal, scored by Pau Cubarsi, seemed to provide a glimmer of hope for the Catalan side but was challenged due to a possible offside involving Robert Lewandowski, who was the last Barcelona player to touch the ball.

The Spanish refereeing committee was compelled to release a statement clarifying the lengthy decision-making process, which resulted from an extensive review of the play to determine the offside position. The delay was criticized not only for its length but also for the confusion it created, leaving fans questioning the efficiency and effectiveness of the VAR system. Despite the setback, Barcelona had previously struggled against Atletico Madrid, and the disallowed goal compounded their frustrations during a critical knockout match.

As discussions around the use of VAR continue, Barcelona's experience highlights the ongoing debates regarding technology in football and the need for rapid decision-making processes. The match's outcome, with Atletico Madrid taking a commanding lead, puts significant pressure on Barcelona for the return leg, making it imperative for them to address their defensive vulnerabilities moving forward.