Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor expressed her dissatisfaction after the 1-1 draw in the Champions League against Barcelona, pointing out an unacceptable interruption in the game. The match was interrupted by a technical failure that caused a nine-minute pause in the first half, affecting the rhythm of the game. This situation, which prevented video transmission and the use of VAR, generated frustration in the team.
Bompastor highlighted that she had not witnessed anything similar in women’s football, and regretted the impact on the team’s performance. The failure, caused by problems with the generators that power the technology, interrupted the game just before halftime. In the second half, Catarina Macario’s goal was disallowed for offside, leading Bompastor to question the VAR’s operability at that moment.It was really frustrating, we were in a very good moment, when this comes from something you can’t control, I think that, at this level, it’s not enough.
Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea coach.
The coach expressed her disappointment at the interruption and its impact on the game, as well as her uncertainty about the VAR’s operation in the second half. She suggested that the lack of screens to review the plays may have influenced the decisions. Regarding the alignment, captain Millie Bright was a substitute, with Nathalie Björn and Naomi Girma taking her place in central defense. Bompastor acknowledged Bright’s frustration with this decision, but highlighted her commitment to the team.To be honest, I’m not even sure if VAR was working in the second half. As you could see, in the first half we had almost a 10-minute break, the television went off.
Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea coach.
The coach praised Bright’s attitude, who quickly focused on supporting the team and fulfilling his role as a leader.She was frustrated, of course, and not happy with the decision, but that’s normal. That’s the reaction I expect from her.
Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea coach.
