Bayern Munich left fuming after controversial offside call
Tuchel says linesman apologized, but that doesn't help
Manager calls for VAR to be used in all Champions League matches
MADRID, May 9 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel was left fuming after a late offside decision against his side in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Bayern thought they had snatched a dramatic equaliser in the 103rd minute through Matthijs de Ligt. However, the linesman's flag was raised for offside and the goal was ruled out.
Replays showed that the decision was extremely close, with De Ligt appearing to be level with the Real Madrid defender.
Tuchel was furious with the decision, accusing the linesman of making a mistake that cost his team a vital away goal.
"It was a clear offside," Tuchel said. "The linesman has apologised to me, but that doesn't help. We've been robbed of a vital away goal."
Tuchel called for the use of video assistant referees (VAR) in all Champions League matches, saying that it would help to eliminate these kind of mistakes.
"VAR is used in other competitions and it works well," Tuchel said. "There's no reason why it shouldn't be used in the Champions League."
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane defended the decision, saying that the linesman was in a good position to make the call.
"I think the linesman made the right decision," Zidane said. "It was a very close call, but I think he got it right."
The second leg of the semi-final will be played in Munich next Tuesday.
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