Ferran Torres' Goal Disallowed for Offside in Barcelona vs Celta

Controversial Offside Cancels Ferran Torres' Goal Against Celta

VAR and referee Del Cerro Grande spark debate over offside call

BlaugranaNews EditorialApril 23, 20262 min read

So what

The disallowed goal for Ferran Torres caused frustration among Barcelona's coach and players, highlighting ongoing VAR issues. This ruling impacts game flow and calls attention to challenges in refereeing in La Liga.

Barcelona’s match against Celta Vigo on April 22, 2026, produced a contentious moment when Ferran Torres’ goal was ruled out for offside. In the 55th minute, assisted by a precise pass from Pedri, Torres volleyed what seemed to be the double for the hosts. However, referee VAR official Carlos Del Cerro Grande quickly signaled an offside, overturning the goal.

Replays showed Torres appearing almost level with Celta defender Marcos Alonso at the moment of reception, raising doubts about the correctness of the call. This marks the second time in a month Torres has had a goal disallowed for a tight offside, the previous incident occurring against Espanyol.

Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick expressed his bewilderment: "I believe it was a goal, not offside, and I would like an explanation." Teammates like Joao Cancelo also shared their surprise on social media regarding the accuracy of the offside decision. Torres himself reacted lightly, posting on Instagram: "What an eye!"

Additionally, Torres dedicated the ruled-out goal to María Caamaño, a close friend recently lost to cancer. Though the goal didn’t count, his heartfelt gesture resonated widely across social media.

Analyzing the situation reveals several key points. First, recurring controversial VAR decisions affect the team’s mental resilience, influencing their mindset and match momentum. Second, the tightness of Torres’s position at the receiving moment reflects the fine margins and ambiguity inherent in modern offside rulings, underscoring the need for clearer protocols and better technology. Third, such contentious calls risk undermining trust in officiating, putting pressure on players and coaching staff alike.

In the broader context of the season, Barcelona continues its title pursuit in La Liga where every point and decision counts. Despite this setback, the team managed a 1-0 win thanks to a Lamine Yamal penalty, though concerns linger over key player injuries to Cancelo and Yamal, along with refereeing issues.

For fans, it is crucial to realize that even with solid performances and match control, external factors like VAR and referee decisions can sway outcomes. This highlights the importance of squad unity and mental fortitude in the race for the championship.