Why was Jorge de Frutos' goal in the Barça - Rayo correctly disallowed? Detailed explanation

The match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano (1-0) had several controversial actions that seriously invited an analysis of the work of the main referee of the match, Mario Melero López, and his assistant in the VAR, Isidro Díaz de Mera. One of these plays that generated great discontent for the fans and players of the 'franjirrojo' team was the goal that was disallowed for them just before the end of the first half.

It should be noted that in the 43rd minute of the match between the team of Hansi Flick and that of Iñigo Pérez, the 'Pichichi' of Rayo, Jorge de Frutos, overcame the resistance of Wojciech Szczęsny with a powerful left-footed shot, taking advantage of an excellent through ball from Pathé Ciss,  which left the forward from Navares de Enmedio completely alone, allowing him to score his seventh goal of the season. However, this goal was disallowed for offside.

After the offside disallowance, the fans and players of Rayo Vallecano reacted with indignation and confusion, how could they not? In all the replays, it is clear that Jorge de Frutos was in a legal position at the moment the pass was made, being enabled by at least four players who formed the defensive line of FC Barcelona at that moment. However, in this play, it is crucial to pay attention to one particular player: number 11 of the Vallecas team, Randy Nteka,  and to consider the concept of positional offside.

We read you#LALIGAHighlights #BarçaRayo pic.twitter.com/DGMdVBUZUb

— Rayo Vallecano (@RayoVallecano) February 17, 2025

In this context, it is important to remember that positional offside is sanctioned when a player interferes in the play without needing to touch the ball directly.

Nteka obstructs Iñigo Martínez's options to try to pressure De Frutos

Now, why is Nteka's offside correctly sanctioned in this action? First of all, there is no objection regarding the fact that Randy's position at the moment of the pass is clearly in an illegal position. Although he is not seen touching the ball at any moment, his intervention in the play, although not physical in terms of contact with the ball, does affect the development of the game unexpectedly.

In this case, it is clear that Nteka obstructed the advance of Iñigo Martínez,  the FC Barcelona player closest to the action at that moment, preventing him from attempting to contest the ball and thus leaving Jorge de Frutos in a favorable position to execute his shot freely.

The rules are clear regarding this type of actions

This intervention is notable and is explained in point 2 of rule 11 of the IFAB (International Football Association Board) related to offside decisions. According to this rule, a player in an offside position will be sanctioned if he actively interferes in the play and exposes a series of principles for this to be sanctioned.

In addition to emphasizing the fact that "the first point of contact at the moment of 'playing' or 'touching' the ball will be taken into account", in these parameters that for the IFAB make the offside rule violated is the "performing an action that clearly affects an opponent's ability to play the ball".

⁉️💥 Is there positional offside by Nteka in De Frutos' goal?

✅ 𝗬𝗘𝗦.

▪️ The French forward blocks Iñigo Martínez and even puts his leg in front to hinder him from reaching De Frutos.

💥 Brilliant decision in real-time by Melero López's assistant. pic.twitter.com/NT76Pnm5xT

— Archivo VAR (@ArchivoVAR) February 17, 2025

That "performing an action that clearly affects an opponent's ability to play the ball" fits perfectly with what happened in the play where Iñigo Martínez is unable to cover or, at least, attempt to disturb Jorge de Frutos,  due to Nteka's obstruction,  who before the Madrid forward controls the ball, is already creating a block similar to a screen in basketball. It is an obvious offside and difficult to refute.