The expulsion of Lisandro Magallán and the disallowed goal by Aaron Quirós marked the first leg of the Copa Libertadores 2025 quarterfinals between Vélez Sarsfield and Racing, drawing criticism from Vélez coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

The controversial play in Vélez vs Racing

Schelotto Criticizes VAR Decisions

The coach highlighted his team’s effort but questioned the technological intervention:

“We showed a lot of attitude. Except for the goal, they didn’t create clear chances against us. We could’ve tied the game, but the VAR didn’t call it. We fought, the team matched the opponent’s level, and it was an even game despite playing with one man down.”

Regarding Magallán’s expulsion, the disallowed goal, and the non-expulsion of Juan Ignacio Nardoni, Schelotto stated:

“You should trust the VAR decision because it has the analysis and the rule, so I accept that.”

Communication Issues with the Refereeing Crew

On the communication with Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio, he explained:

“We didn’t know what he was calling. The language didn’t help either: he only spoke Portuguese, and we couldn’t understand anything.”

Commenting on Vélez’s first home loss in the series, he added with irony:

“In Bolivia, we also lost with a wrongly disallowed goal to Romero. Those were the two games we lost, with the same referee. But it’s just a coincidence…”

Looking Ahead to the Second Leg at El Cilindro

El Mellizo remained confident for the return leg:

“The tie is still open. We’ll go to Racing’s stadium to play the same way, with ambitions beyond just needing to win. We have strengths, like believing in a victory and turning this result around, especially if we play 11 vs. 11.”

He closed with a touch of local folklore:

“I’m a bull in my own rodeo and a bigger bull in someone else’s.”

The Disallowed Goal That Could Have Changed the Tie

With Vélez down to 10 men, they seemed to equalize through a set-piece, but the VAR disallowed Quirós’ goal because the ball had gone out of play after a corner taken by Maher Carrizo.

The VOR booth confirmed the ball was out, though the perspective varied depending on the camera angle. The reaction from the bench and the fans was immediate: Schelotto put his hands to his face, and Federico Insúa couldn’t believe what had happened.

Brazilian fourth official Bruno Arleu and Rodolpho Toski (in charge of VAR) communicated the decision to the head referee and the crowd, abruptly ending Vélez’s celebration after the review.