Mateu Lahoz admits that his mistake left FC Barcelona without LaLiga 13/14

Antonio Mateu Lahoz has openly acknowledged that he harmed the FC Barcelona. The Valencian referee, at 48 years old, has admitted that a wrong decision of his deprived the blue and claret team of the opportunity to lift the champion's trophy in the 2013-14 LaLiga season, where the team that ultimately crowned champion was Atlético de Madrid.

The former referee, now a commentator on the 'COPE' network, took advantage of the context of the match between the 'colchonero' team and Barcelona to recall a crucial incident that took place on May 17, 2014. In that match, a decision by Mateu Lahoz changed the course of the duel, which could have ended in favor of Barça. Why was it not so?

The final score was 1-1, with goals from Chilean forward Alexis Sánchez for the culés (1-0) and Uruguayan defender Diego Godín for the 'colchoneros' (1-1). This 'score' gave LaLiga to Simeone's team, with a three-point lead over Barcelona (90 to 87). Now, why is it asserted that Mateu Lahoz harmed the blue and claret team in this key match? It all comes down to a specific action: the disallowed goal to Leo Messi for an alleged offside.

The context of why that goal by Leo Messi against Atlético de Madrid should not have been disallowed

The play in question was highly debatable. At that moment, the goal from the '10' of the 'Albiceleste' came after a cross from Dani Alves from the right wing, which apparently hit Cesc Fàbregas in the area. From this moment, Messi was enabled, who was in an offside position when the ball was allegedly played by Fàbregas.

However, the Valencian referee did not consider that the ball reached the Argentine forward after a poor clearance by Juanfran Torres (the 'Atleti' full-back), which would have nullified the offside position as the ball came from an opposing player, making the goal legal. This goal would have meant victory for FC Barcelona and a tie at 89 points at the top of the table, which would have favored Barça due to their goal difference of +68, compared to +51 for Atlético de Madrid.

Mateu Lahoz acknowledged that his error cost Barcelona a League

Over time, Lahoz has acknowledged that Leo Messi's goal was valid. "I made a mistake. It is very difficult for it to happen again with the calendar conditioned. They arrived practically tied in everything and there was a play that we have since been able to see that Juanfran did not touch," declared Mateu on 'El Partidazo de COPE'.

"There was a play that we have since been able to see that Juanfran did not touch"

Lahoz explained why he validated the offside position in that action, also attributing responsibility to his assistant. "From my position, it was impossible to discern. I would have bet all 20 fingers of my hands and feet that Cesc had touched that ball. Responsibility was always given to the assistant and that play was a team synergy and the only one responsible for the play was me," he emphasized.

"I would have bet all 20 fingers of my hands and feet that Cesc had touched that ball"

The Valencian judge acknowledged that with VAR technology, the League would have been for Barça. "With VAR, LaLiga would have been for Barça," specified Lahoz. This error, which deprived FC Barcelona of an award, was publicly acknowledged by Mateu, who had previously apologized privately to members of the blue and claret club.

"With VAR, LaLiga would have been for Barça"

According to Elvio Paolorosso, former physical trainer during the era of Gerardo Martino as coach of FC Barcelona. "We were crying in the locker room and the referee came to apologize to us." Later, he emphasized: "We must value that Mateu approached 'Tata' and apologized for the goal. He told us that he had made a mistake".