La Liga: Barcelona strengthen lead with win, beat Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in controversial match

Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 1-0 to extend their lead at the top of La Liga to nine points. However, in the 87th minute, Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams’ goal was disallowed by the video refereeing system (VAR), prompting widespread protests.

VAR also scored Rafinha’s goal
Earlier, Rafinha scored for Barcelona in stoppage time of the first half, which was adjudged offside, but the goal was given in favor of Barcelona in the VAR review. Barcelona were lucky to win this match. Otherwise, the referee had awarded Williams a goal, but Warr saw on video that the ball hit Williams’ hand. After this it was rejected. Although Bilbao coach Valverde said: “We are disappointed, nobody in the whole field, including the referee, the fourth official, saw anything.” The goal went on for three minutes of video review. Williams scoffed at the decision on Twitter.

Barcelona-Real will clash next week
Barcelona coach Xavi said: “I thought I was seeing offside, but when I looked at the video board, I thought it was a handball.” Real Madrid beat Espanyol 3-1 on Saturday to extend Barcelona’s lead to six points, which has now extended to nine. Next week, Barcelona and Real have to play the last Clásico (clash between the two teams) of this season of La Liga.