Huijsen elbowing Cubarsí in Bellingham's goal?

FC Barcelona once again encountered arbitral controversy in a Clásico. The Blaugrana team conceded the second goal in the 43rd minute of the first half after a highly disputed play that ended with Jude Bellingham sending the ball into the back of the net. However, what preceded the goal is what has stirred up anger on the Barça bench: a possible elbow from Dean Huijsen on Pau Cubarsí.

The play originated with a cross into the area from the right side by Éder Militao. As the ball flew towards the shooting zone, Huijsen, who had joined the attack, shook off Cubarsí's mark with a gesture that has generated much talk: a possible direct elbow to the face of the young Barça center-back.

Clear foul before the 2-1 that VAR didn't correct

Cubarsí fell to the ground visibly in pain while Bellingham finished unopposed. The referee César Soto Grado did not signal a foul and, after a brief silent review, the VAR, directed by Iglesias Villanueva, validated the Englishman's goal.

The reaction was immediate: several Barça players surrounded the referee demanding the review of a clear foul in attack, but play continued and the goal was allowed. The indignation on the Barça bench was also evident, with angry protests from members of the technical staff.

The replays show how Huijsen's arm impacts Cubarsí's mouth just before Bellingham's shot.

The blow seems clear, although the referee's interpretation was that it was a slight contact and not enough to nullify the action. The Barça center-back remained on the ground for a few seconds, and subsequently needed medical assistance due to a blow to the lip area. Despite this, he was able to continue the match without being substituted.

The Blaugrana fans were also quick to react on social media, where screenshots of the exact moment of the impact are circulating. The debate is open: Should the goal have been disallowed for a previous foul?

Real Madrid went into halftime with a 2-1 lead thanks to that goal. Barça, meanwhile, saw how a possible refereeing error once again tipped the balance in a high-stakes duel. El Clásico, once again, delivers top-level football, goals... and a new refereeing controversy that will be talked about for days.