Champions League

Arsenal – Bayern: Was that really not a penalty?

Manuel Neuer stopped Bukayo Saka. But was it fair play?

(Bild: AP, Twitter.com/P™)

In the final minute of the Champions League quarter-final first leg between Bayern and Arsenal, there was a lot of excitement. Bukayo Saka had broken into the Bayern penalty area and was stopped by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at the last second. But was everything above board? 

The fans in London were furious, as were the players and officials of Arsenal FC. Shortly beforehand, referee Glenn Nyberg had blown the whistle. However, this was preceded by the last controversial scene in a lively match.

In stoppage time, with the score at 2:2, Saka had once again invaded the visitors' penalty area. The international found himself in a dangerous finishing position with only Manuel Neuer to beat. The German emerged victorious from the duel and the final whistle was blown.

Bayern in luck
However, Neuer left his foot out in his defensive reaction and Saka stumbled over it. The chance was thwarted as a result. It is quite possible that a penalty would have been appropriate here and Arsenal would still have had the chance to win at home.

"Must not be whistled"
At least in the Sky studio, everyone agreed in the post-match coverage: no penalty! Saka was obviously looking for contact. Didi Hamann even said that he had wanted to deceive the referee. "I'm glad - penalties like that shouldn't be whistled."

By the end of the game, the VAR no longer intervened. There is nothing more to shake about the decision. Bayern were definitely lucky and go into the second leg in a good position. At Arsenal, tempers are clearly running high after the end of the game.