Barça stars call for VAR in Women’s Champions League

Barcelona players have called for VAR to be used in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage after the refereeing controversy marred Chelsea’s draw against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Madrid earned a 2-2 draw thanks to a late penalty awarded following a foul outside the area, with Chelsea then denied a winner even later for a dubious offside call.

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Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said her team had “robbed themselves” of victory because of “embarrassing” refereeing, with VAR not being used in the competition until the round of 16.

“I think we have to use it in the Champions League from the first minute, when the group stage starts,” Barca winger Caroline Graham Hansen said on Thursday.

“Every year we do things to improve [the game]but it is clear that it should be used both in the group stage and in the round of 16.

“As [this week], the matches are intense, there are a lot of decisive situations and, at the end of the day, I think everyone just wants the matches to end with the result as it should be. If we can get some help, that helps.”

Graham Hansen’s Barca teammate Salma Paralluelo, who finished third in the Ballon d’Or this month, also demanded the technology be implemented.

“Ultimately, VAR is a tool that makes things as fair as possible on the pitch through the support it provides,” Paralluelo said.

“Not having it can lead to bad decisions. We need it both in the league and in the Champions League. [group phase]. I think it’s super necessary.”

Barca players have led the campaign for the introduction of VAR this season. Defender Mapi León said “we need VAR” in October after receiving an elbow to the face that went unpunished during the Liga F match against Atletico Madrid.

Wednesday’s controversial decisions distracted from Madrid’s strong result against the English champions as they continue to make strides both domestically and in Europe.

They are competing in the Champions League group stage for the third consecutive season after absorbing Madrid-based CD Tacon in 2019.

In Liga F, they are also improving. They finished second last year, 10 points behind Barça, and three points behind Blaugrana go to Sunday The classic at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium after winning seven of their first eight matches.

“Madrid is [cutting] the distance,” added Graham Hansen. “They work hard, recruit better players every year and that brings them closer [to Barça].

“But we also raise our level every year. We know Sunday will be a huge battle and we can’t wait to go. It’s The classic and that means a lot to us. Playing against Madrid is always special.

“It is important for women’s football to have a strong Madrid. [El Clásico] It’s a big match, a sport that the whole world knows and it’s important that it reflects the level of women’s football.

“This has to be the match of the year for both the women and the men, so it’s really good that they’re doing things so well.”

Barca, the reigning European and Spanish champions, have won all eight of their league matches so far this season and opened their Champions League defense with a 5-0 victory over Benfica on Tuesday.

However, they expect a tough test against Madrid in their first match this season at the 50,000-seat Olympic Stadium, Barca’s temporary home while the Spotify Camp Nou is under renovation.

“The evolution of Madrid has been really good, which is good for women’s football,” Paralluelo said. “Every team is growing and, personally, I am happy to see all the progress.

“Sunday will be a good match, well fought, and we’ll see what happens. It’s a fun match to play, it’s special.”