“VAR was probably watching another game”
RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann was left furious at the crucial penalty decision which saw his side lose to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night.
The Bundesliga side had beaten PSG in Germany before the international break, and a result in the French capital would have seen them take a significant step towards qualifying from their Champions League group – possibly at the Ligue 1 side’s expense.
The only goal of the night, however, came from Neymar, scoring from a penalty which Nagelsmann clearly felt should never have been given.
Marcel Sabitzer was adjudged to have brought Angel Di Maria down inside the area, though replays appeared to show minimal – if any – contact between the pair. Despite this, the spot-kick was given, even when checked by VAR.
“I don’t think Paris had a real chance in the game and the penalty was a joke,” Nagelsmann told Sky Germany after the game.
“That decision at Champions League level – that’s really sad. That was a dive, there was zero contact. VAR was probably watching another game.
“Sometimes nuances make the difference and in the end it would have been deserved if we had rewarded ourselves. Now we are holding worse cards in the group, we have to win our two games and hope that Paris doesn’t succeed.”
The result leaves Leipzig and PSG level on six points. Manchester United, who have beaten both clubs, recorded a 4-1 victory at home to Istanbul Basaksehir to move on to nine points. United can guarantee their progress to the last 16 with a point from either of their remaining games.
