Real Madrid News
New La Liga ball technology responsible for Real Madrid equaliser being ruled out vs Real Betis
Real Madrid came within centimetres of rescuing themselves against Real Betis, only for one of La Liga’s newest technological additions to intervene.
Los Blancos had hammered away at Betis’ goal last night, only for the gatekeeper, Alvaro Valles, to shut the door and let nothing through.
It took something absolutely spectacular to beat Valles last night, with Carlos Espi scoring an overhead kick that was eventually ruled out.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the decision was assisted by the new sensor inside La Liga’s match ball. The technology allowed VAR to establish the precise moment the ball was played.
Using that, they determined that Madrid’s summer signing was marginally offside at the beginning of the attacking sequence that resulted in the goal.
Espi denied dramatic equaliser
The moment arrived after Espi entered the match in the 87th minute with Madrid chasing a 1-0 deficit.
The young striker appeared to make an immediate impact with an outstanding overhead kick that found the net and seemingly brought Madrid level.
Celebrations followed, but referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez was instructed not to restart the match while VAR reviewed the build-up.
The check eventually identified Espi in an illegal offside position, meaning the goal could not stand.
It was a painful decision for Madrid, particularly because the infringement occurred at the start of the move rather than during Espi’s spectacular finish.
How the new technology works
The sensorised ball is one of La Liga’s major technological additions this season and works alongside semi-automated offside technology.
Its importance comes from identifying the exact instant a player makes contact with the ball. For extremely tight offside decisions, determining that precise frame can be crucial.
The technology was also involved earlier in the match.
Madrid were initially awarded a corner after Dean Huijsen’s effort appeared to have been touched by the Betis goalkeeper, but the sensor and images established that the ball had instead struck the crossbar.
The decision was changed and a goal kick was awarded.
For Madrid, the technological decision going against them was the final blow on an already frustrating night.
Despite creating numerous chances, Betis produced a defensive performance to remember and managed to protect their 1-0 lead.
In the end, it was one of those games that Jose Mourinho would like to forget quickly, and it remains to be seen whether Madrid can return to winning ways against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
