Reunion at the RCDE Stadium: A match still remembered
Atlético de Madrid returns to the RCDE Stadium, the scene of a match that still generates controversy in the Perico memory. That match, played 675 days ago, remains a matter of debate due to the validity given to a Griezmann goal that marked a turning point for Espanyol.
In the 44th minute, with Atlético already in the lead, Pacheco, then Espanyol’s goalkeeper, made a crucial save from a Griezmann shot. However, moments later, the referee, at the request of VAR, awarded the second goal to Atlético, a result that influenced the development of the match, which ended in a 3-3 draw.
Luis García, Espanyol’s coach at the time, expressed his frustration at the lack of clear images confirming whether the ball had completely crossed the goal line. The club challenged the match, requesting its annulment, a request that even Simeone, Atlético’s coach, supported.
Despite the dismissal of the challenge by the Competition Committee, Espanyol took the case to ordinary justice, presenting new evidence questioning the referee’s decision. The club argued that the VAR referee provided insufficient images to verify the validity of the goal, with even evidence indicating its non-existence. This episode remains an open wound for Espanyol fans, especially after recent controversial refereeing performances.
