Proof: Why Jude Bellingham's goal vs Barcelona should have been ruled out | Barca Universal

"Barcelona have endured a rough start to the first El Clasico of the 2025/26 season. Hansi Flick's men have looked far from their best, especially in defence, where both full-backs have struggled to contain the relentless pressure from Real Madrid's front line. The Blaugrana found themselves punished early on when Kylian Mbappe finally broke through to open the scoring. Although Barcelona managed to find an equaliser soon after, their defensive lapses continued to cost them dearly."

"Referee Cesar Soto Grado has had a busy evening at the Santiago Bernabeu, with VAR already stepping in to review multiple key incidents. In fact, two major actions required video review in the opening stages of the clash. A potential penalty was ruled out following a check, and Mbappe's initial goal was disallowed. However, when the Frenchman did eventually find the net again, there was little Barcelona could do to stop him."

"Real Madrid's second goal, scored by Bellingham, came without VAR intervention, something that has left Barcelona players and fans furious. The Englishman took advantage of a defensive mistake, but the sequence leading up to the goal was clearly questionable. In the build-up, Madrid centre-back Dean Huijsen appeared to catch Pau Cubarsi with his arm while contesting for the ball. The contact caused the young Barça defender to fall, leaving space for Madrid to pounce. Despite loud protests from the Barcelona players, Soto Grado allowed play to continue and awarded the goal without reviewing the action on the monitor."

Barcelona began the first El Clasico of the 2025/26 season poorly, showing particular vulnerability in defence and on both full-back positions. Early pressure from Real Madrid led to Kylian Mbappe breaking the deadlock before Barcelona equalised soon after. Defensive lapses allowed Jude Bellingham to restore Madrid's lead. Referee Cesar Soto Grado and VAR reviewed multiple early incidents, including a ruled-out potential penalty and an initially disallowed Mbappe goal, while Mbappe later scored again. Bellingham's goal stood without a VAR check despite visible contact in the build-up when Dean Huijsen's arm struck Pau Cubarsi, prompting protests and anger from Barcelona players and supporters.

Read at Barca Universal