Oyarzabal scored for Real Sociedad from penalty spot after VAR review

It seemed like the possible penalty for Real Sociedad for handball by Inigo Martinez was going to be the key moment of the game. The officials deemed the handball to be outside the box, but Martinez would not be as lucky just a few minutes later. 

Portu controlled the ball in space and after getting into the box, he was brought down by the Athletic Bilbao central defender when the Real Sociedad man was about to shoot. 

Referee Xavier Estrada Fernandez decided to send him off for DOGSO as he believed Martinez had pulled him down from behind. That would be a red for DOGSO while not attempting to play the ball. 

However, the VAR spotted that Martinez had first made contact with Portu's foot before hauling him down to the ground. That meant he called the referee over and the card was downgraded to yellow as he was attempting to play the ball. 

Despite the five minute delay, Mikel Oyarzabal kept his cool from the spot and sent Unai Simon the wrong way with a shot into the goalie's left hand corner. 

 

April 3, 2021