The contentious play occurred in the 82nd minute, when a long ball aimed at Griezmann led the assistant referee to raise the flag for offside. However, referee Munuera Montero did not blow the whistle, despite making the gesture, causing Valencia CF players to stop, believing the play was dead.
The Atlético de Madrid player, known as Cubo, continued the play and scored past goalkeeper Dimitrievski. The Valencia players protested vehemently, as they thought the referee had whistled. After a VAR review, it was determined there was no offside, and the goal was awarded, escalating tensions on the field.
“"These are referee decisions, and we cannot get involved there."
A Valencia CF player was asked about the controversy after the match but chose not to comment on the play, stating that they are referee decisions. Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone clearly saw the goal as legitimate from the sideline.
