Controversial call shows why La Liga needs goal-line technology

Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid, center, seen talking with Lamine Yamal of Barcelona during a La Liga match between at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain. IPA

Watch: Controversial call in El Clasico shows why La Liga needs goal-line technology

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Apr 21, 2024 4:51 PM ET

La Liga should consider implementing goal-line technology, as a controversial call could affect the outcome of one of its biggest matches.

At the 28-minute mark of the El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona, VAR (video assistant referee) ruled that Madrid goalie Andriy Lunin blocked a Lamine Yamal shot. However, it looked like the ball crossed the line, which would've given Barcelona a 2-1 lead.

There was no goal given to Barcelona after this save made by Andriy Lunin to deny Lamine Yamal after VAR decided that the ball did not cross the line.

There is no goal line technology in LALIGA. pic.twitter.com/ls10yNjquc
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 21, 2024

Goal-line technology uses an electronic aid to determine whether a goal has been scored. Surely, it could've made a better call.

"It's baffling!" @aarransummers @MCATEER4 and Nicky Summerbee take a closer look at that disallowed Barcelona goal, and can't believe that La Liga is the only top 5 European league without goal-line technology! #beINLiga #RealMadridBarcelona #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/bugylYFlJY
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) April 21, 2024

In a segment discussing the controversial call, Aarran Summer of beIN Sports said La Liga didn't employ the technology because it felt it was too expensive. He added that out of the top five European leagues, it's the only one that doesn't have goal-line technology.

"That could cost Barcelona $100M," beIn Sports analyst Jason McAteer said. "So how expensive is it for them?"

Barcelona (21-7-3) is second in the La Liga behind Real Madrid (24-6-1), meaning they must win this match to catch up. If this play affects the outcome, it wouldn't be shocking if it leads to a necessary change.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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