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Roma defeat Milan in Europa League with goal that shouldn’t have counted but VAR couldn’t help

With VAR’s introduction to the world of soccer it’s become incredibly rare when a goal that shouldn’t count stands. That was the case on Thursday with a failed offside call during Roma’s 1-0 victory vs. AC Milan in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals.

The peculiar situation happened in the first half when Roma sprung an attack through Romelu Lukaku who appeared to be in an offside position.

Lukaku offside vs Milan

Lukaku offside vs Milan

Lukaku offside vs Milan

Lukaku crossed to Stephan El Shaarawy who had his shot deflected and go out for a corner kick. Just about everyone in the stadium was expecting the delayed offside flag to be raised, however it never came.

Milan manager Stefano Pioli was furious with the decision and got himself a yellow card for his protests before the ensuing corner kick was taken.

Roma then scored the game’s only goal on said corner kick.

There was nothing VAR could do to intervene as the referees aren’t allowed to go back to a previous play to overturn a situation like what happened in Milan.

Instead, Roma get off the hook and secured a goal that shouldn’t have stood. Even in 2024 the game and referees aren’t perfect.

Milan can feel hard done by the missed call but didn’t do themselves any favors recording 25 shots but not being able to find the back of the net.

Olivier Giroud had the biggest miss of the lot when Samuel Chukwueze expertly dribbled through three Roma players and set it up on a platter from five yards out for the Frenchman. Giroud’s effort flew off the crossbar.

Milan’s only hope for advancing to the Europa League semifinals will be a comeback in Rome next Thursday.

Milan vs Roma full highlights

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