A Detailed Explanation Of Why Karim Benzema's Goal Against Alisson Is Considered Offside

JAKARTA - Karim Benzema scored a goal in the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool which Madrid won 1-0. However, Benzema's goal was canceled out by both the linesman and VAR for offside after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson stepped out of the net.

VAR did not overturn the linesman's decision as Fabinho's touch was not a deliberate pass and Benzema was deemed offside.

Benzema scores the ball against Liverpool. He dribbled close to Alisson who had touched the ball, before the ball hit Ibrahima Konate to return back towards the goalkeeper.

The ball then bounced between Konate, Federico Valverde, Konate again and then Fabinho before rolling towards Benzema. The 34-year-old striker then struck the ball past Alisson.

However, the goal was met by an offside flag. Referee Clement Turpin and his team ruled the goal offside as Benzema was well beyond Alisson, although there was still a Liverpool player (Andy Robertson) between the striker and the post.

There must be two opposing players between the attacker and the goal for a goal to be declared not onside, whether the two players consist of a goalkeeper and an outfield player (behind the goalkeeper who has advanced from the goal), or two outfield players at once.

In this case, Valverde is an important factor, whether he actually passes Benzema, or even after touching a Liverpool player (Fabinho).

It was referred to video assistant referee Jerome Brisard and his assistants Willy Delajod, Massimiliano Irrati and Filippo Meli.

After three minutes and 22 seconds of watching the replay, they did not overturn the linesman's decision.

It is unclear whether the ball was indeed Valverde's pass as video replays showed the ball was seen sliding from Fabinho. However, the linesman's decision was later upheld by VAR so Benzema's goal was disallowed.

But BT Sport said that because the ball touched Fabinho instead of a deliberate pass, the goal was rightfully ruled out. So quoted from The Athletic.