Champion League
Napoli boss Calzona frustrated over denied Osimhen’s penalty against Barcelona
By Monsurah Olatunji
Napoli head coach Francesco Calzona expressed his frustration over what he believed was a denied penalty for Victor Osimhen during their Champions League last-16 second-leg encounter against Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
In the pivotal moment of the match, Napoli had a strong case for a penalty when 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi appeared to foul Victor Osimhen in the box during the 50th minute. Despite the clear contact, the Dutch referee, Danny Desmond Makkelie, allowed play to continue without VAR intervention.
Trailing 2-0 at the Montjuic after quickfire goals from Fermin Lopez (15′) and Joao Cancelo (17′), which put Barcelona 3-1 up on aggregate, Napoli could have leveled the aggregate scoreline if the penalty had been awarded, especially after Amir Rrahmani’s goal in the 30th minute.
Unfortunately for Napoli, the decision not to award the penalty proved costly as they exited the competition. With hopes of securing a Champions League spot next season also dimming, sitting four points behind fifth-placed Roma in the league standings, the missed opportunity loomed large.
Speaking after the match, Calzona lamented the non-intervention of VAR, emphasizing the potential game-changing impact of the decision: “Looking at the footage, it does seem to be a penalty. I cannot understand why the VAR at these levels would not intervene in a situation like that. They should take all the time necessary to come to the right decision. It looks like a clear penalty, and that could’ve changed the course of the game.”
