Var revolution in Leverkusen: Referee explains the penalty decision!

Var revolution in Leverkusen: Referee explains the penalty decision!

In an exciting Bundesliga duel between Bayer Leverkusen and TSG Hoffenheim on February 4, 2025, there were several remarkable events that shaped the game. Leverkusen ultimately prevailed with a 3-1 win. Referee Robin Braun, who caused a sensation with his new concept of the VAR announcements during the game, was in focus.

In the 24th minute, Braun explained by loudspeaker why a first given penalty for Leverkusen was withdrawn due to a away position by Nathan Tella. The referee had decided on a penalty in the 21st minute, but after consultation with video assistant Robert Schröder, it turned out that Tella was offside in front of the foul. "According to the pictures, there is an offside position, so the decision is: offside," said Braun during the announcement. This premiere took place as part of a test run to create more transparency for the audience and was implemented without breakdowns, which ensured great relief, such as n-tv.de reports .

game course and decisive scenes

Leverkusen dominated the first few minutes and already scored the first goal by Victor Boniface in the 15th minute, who scored after a pass from Grimaldo. Just four minutes later, Jeremie Frimpong expanded the lead. The first 45 minutes ended with a 2-0 for the hosts, who made it possible with a controlled game and aggressive pressing Hoffenheim. Hoffenheim's Marius Bülter had a possibility, but failed due to Leverkusen's goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

In the second half, Leverkusen expanded the lead to 3-0 before Hoffenheim was able to shorten Orban to 1: 3 by Gift. The hit ensured a short phase of tension. But Leverkusen was confident in the yellow-red card for Grimaldo, and the defensive stability brought them the deserved victory. Another highlight was the great parade of Hradecky for a shot from Prass in the 93rd minute, which secured the result.

Criticism and the course of the game in dealing with Var

Despite the victory, there were also critical voices regarding the VAR decisions. The withdrawal of the penalty was considered controversial by some spectators and supporters. In the 17th minute, another scene would have been discussed when Hincapie slipped in the sixteen and fouled, but did not take a VAR check. tag24.de Approval arose, but also raised questions.

The constant further development of the football rules and the endeavor to involve the audience more shows that the Bundesliga is on the right track, even if not every step remains undisputed. The game was not only exciting, but also instructive, both for the players on the square and for fans in the stadium.