UEFA Releases Crucial Image in Chelsea-Barcelona Offside Row
UEFA has intervened directly in the controversy surrounding Chelsea's opening goal against Barcelona in the Champions League, releasing a definitive still image from the semi-automated offside technology. The image proves conclusively that Marc Cucurella was in an onside position when he received the ball in the build-up to the goal, despite furious protests from Barcelona players and fans.
The Controversial Build-Up
The incident occurred after a Chelsea corner was played short. Marc Cucurella, the Spanish defender, received a through ball and immediately appeared to be in an offside position to many watching. He proceeded to deliver a cross into the Barcelona penalty area. The ball was first turned towards goal by Pedro Neto, before taking a final touch off Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, resulting in an own goal that was credited as the first of the night.
Initial television replays from standard broadcast angles seemed to show a clear offside, sparking immediate outrage. However, the newly released angle from UEFA's official system tells a different story. It reveals that Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí, as the last defender, had his trailing foot playing Cucurella onside, with the two players perfectly in line at the critical moment.
Technology Provides the Final Verdict
The release of the image on November 25, 2025, is a clear move by European football's governing body to quell the dispute and back its match officials and technology systems. The semi-automated offside technology, which uses multiple cameras to track player movements, is designed to provide precise and irrefutable evidence for such tight decisions.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension in football between real-time perception and technological verification. While the naked eye and standard broadcast feeds suggested one outcome, the calibrated system used by UEFA provided the definitive proof that the correct decision was made, vindicating the officials and Chelsea's opening goal in a crucial Champions League semi-final clash.
