Real Madrid vs Ajax was one of the most memorable UCL match-ups in 2018-19, when the Dutch side eliminated the 13-time European champions in the round of 16.
Though Ajax were the dominant side over the two legs and ended up winning the tie 5-3 on aggregate, there were moments were it looked as if VAR calls would ultimately see the score go in Los Blancos’ favour, especially after Dusan Tadic scored to put Ajax 3-0 up at the Bernabeu (4-2 on aggregate). The goal went to VAR replay due to the possibility of it having initially gone out of play in the build-up, but in the end, the goal was allowed to stand.
The fact that a VAR process happened in the first place raised questions, with critics concerned about how far back in a football game VAR might be consulted.
Both Cristiano Ronaldo and VAR made headlines World Cup when his side were awarded a penalty in the second half during their Group B game against Iran. The referee initially gave nothing when Ronaldo went down after a clumsy challenge from Morteza Pouraliganji, but after VAR consultation, awarded Portugal the penalty. Ronaldo, though, missed his spot-kick, but was once again the subject of VAR review later after he swung an arm at Pouraliganji – only to be shown a yellow.
In stoppage time, VAR awarded Iran a controversial penalty for a rather harsh handball against Cedric Soares. Karim Ansarifard scored from the spot to make it 1-1, but Portugal had already done enough to progress to the knockouts.
