Rennes thought they had scored a last-minute goal to finish top of their Europa League group against Villareal last night, only for VAR to controversially disallow it.
Rennes Vs. Villareal
Heading into their game against Villareal, Rennes just needed a point to finish top of Europa League Group F, therefore avoiding the dreaded 2nd place play-off game.
After Gerard Moreno put Villareal ahead from the penalty spot in the 36th minute, it didn’t long for Rennes to strike back through Lorenz Assignon, who equalised just a minute later.
Ex-Barcelona youngster Ilias Akhomach gave the Spanish side the lead again in the 62nd minute, only for Ludovic Blas to draw the scores level in the 79th minute.
Within a minute of Rennes’ equaliser, veteran midfielder Dani Parejo scored what proved to be the winning goal, leaving Rennes desperate for an equaliser.
As the game dragged on into the 101st minute, Rennes thought they had grabbed their all-important leveller, when a cross into the Villareal box bobbled its way to Lorenz Assignon who fired into the bottom corner.
The goal caused pandemonium amongst Rennes players and fans, but the celebrations were short-lived as VAR decided to rule the goal out without any clear sign of infringement.
Rennes thought they had scored to secure a place in the #UEL last 16, deep into added time, but VAR had other ideas 😳
Can anyone work out why this goal was disallowed? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/WHsxtuEt6I
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 14, 2023
Why Was Rennes Goal Against Villareal Disallowed?
Initially, it looked as if the referee had disallowed the goal for offside, however, after closer inspection it is clear that the goal was struck off for an infringement in the build-up.
In the build-up, Enzo Le Fee took a free-kick which hit the crossbar and came straight back to his feet without another player touching the ball.
The IFAB laws of the game state: “If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded.”
Looking at that description, it looks as if VAR made the correct decision in ruling the goal out.
On the incident, Rennes coach Julien Stephan, said: “I knew the rule existed for penalties, I didn’t know it existed for free kicks. It’s an emotional rollercoaster at this moment in time.”
Rennes will find out who they face in their Europa League play-off when the draw takes place on Monday, December 18.
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