Carlo Ancelotti is finishing his second stint as Real Madrid’s manager at the end of the 2024-25 season. He will be Brazil’s national team manager after La Liga’s 2024-25 campaign concludes. 

The 65-year-old Italian leaves Real Madrid as one of the club’s best coaches. He won 15 trophies across two spells as Los Blancos�?coach, including the double in the 2023-24 season when he led them to a La Liga win and their 15th Champions League title.

Brazil is happy to have a legend as the manager

Brazil is the most successful country at the FIFA World Cup, and with the event looming for 2026, they wanted a strong and famous manager for the team.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is happy with its announcement. They wrote: ‘The CBF warmly welcomes Mr Ancelotti and looks forward to a new era of success under his leadership�?

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In football, every moment counts. A single goal or foul can turn a team’s hope into heartbreak in just seconds. That’s why the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) came into play. Introduced to bring more fairness to the game, this tech aims to help football referees make better calls by using video footage.

Since its launch, VAR has corrected key game errors, some even deemed crucial for a win. Yet, despite all the good it’s done, it remains one of the most argued tech tools in the football field. Fans, players, and coaches often clash over whether it helps or ruins the flow and feel of the match.

Dive into the story of VAR. Discover what it is, how it works behind the scenes, and the big football moments where it either made history or caused backlash.

What is VAR?

The Video Assistant Referee is a support system designed to help match referees review major decisions. It is a team of three people, assisted by video technology, who revisit key incidents during a match, especially those that could impact a match result.

Think of VAR as a second pair of eyes. It’s not there to replace the main referee and take over the game. Instead, it works like a safety net that catches big mistakes before they can affect the final score. The main referees still oversee the match; the VAR is only there as a backup when things get unclear.

The use of VAR in football was introduced during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, following its inclusion in the 2018/19 edition of the Laws of the Game. Since then, the system has been used in over 100 competitions worldwide.

How does VAR work?

The VAR review follows a simple three-step process:

1. Incident occurs

A possible mistake or controversy happens on the pitch. It could be a foul, offside, or handball. The referee can request a review, or the VAR team can recommend one if they spot an error.

2. Review by the VAR team

The VAR team replays the footage from various camera angles. They confirm whether the decision was wrong or not. The VAR head then notifies the main referee about it.

3. The referee makes the final call

The main referee receives the team’s verdict. If unsure, they can also review the footage from the pitch-side monitor to double-check before making a final call.

To break this down, here are some key factors and considerations that keep the VAR process fair and accurate.

When is VAR used?

Unlike other sports, where video reviews are only presented when asked by a referee or players, VAR monitors each match nonstop. They’d instantly alert the referee in case a wrong call was made or if there had been an overlooked mistake.

However, the VAR doesn’t get involved in every play. It can only step in during four key incidents on the pitch where ‘a clear and obvious error�?is likely to occur:

• Goals: Checks if a foul, offside, or handball occurred before the team scored a goal.
• Penalty: Confirms whether a foul happened inside the box or a penalty was wrongly given or denied.
• Direct red cards: VAR is also used to judge if a serious foul deserves a straight red card. The team also checks for possible red-card incidents that the referee might have given a yellow card for.
• Mistaken identity: Fixes cases where the wrong player is shown a yellow or red card.

Timing rules for VAR intervention

Timing plays a big part in how VAR works. The team must flag an issue as quickly as they can, as they can only intervene in the match after the ball goes out of play. Once the game restarts, though, the chance to use VAR for that play has passed, and any calls made can’t be overturned.

For instance, if the VAR team spots an incident as the ball goes out of play, they must notify the referee to pause the game until it is dealt with. Otherwise, no reviews or calls can be made unless it’s a case of mistaken identity. 

Moments caught on VAR

Since its debut in 2018, VAR has captured some of football’s most dramatic moments. It has helped referees make the right call, but also triggered outrage from fans and players due to errors or missed calls.

In the Premier League, there has been a drop in incorrect VAR calls. From 23 mistakes last season, the 2024-25 season has only seen 10 so far. Even so, fans still call out flaws in how VAR handles real-time decisions. The loudest comments are all about missed fouls, inconsistent offside lines, and long delays. 

Here are some of the most talked-about VAR calls that still get football fans debating:

• RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid (UCL 2024)

Leipzig scored a goal early in the game, thanks to Benjamin Šeško. However, the VAR flagged an offside in the build-up, which meant the goal was ruled out. The call made fans and the club itself furious for questioning a clearly kicked goal. The match ended in a Real Madrid win at 1-0.

• Wolves vs Man Utd (EPL 2023-24)

In stoppage time, the Utd goalkeeper André Onana collided with Wolves player Sasa Kalajdzic inside the box. Despite loud protests, neither the referee nor the VAR awarded a penalty. A later review admitted that one should have been given after PGMOL manager Jonathan Moss said it was a mistake. The Wolves lost the match 1-0.

VAR in football: Its future or flaw?

VAR was built to make football fairer, and in many cases, it has. It helped clear up mistakes, which then led to major trophies and careers. Still, no system is perfect. Football authorities are working hard to refine VAR for future seasons. You may love or hate the VAR, but one thing’s sure: it will always be a part of football’s identity.

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Real Madrid edged out Alavés with a tight 1-0 win in La Liga on Sunday, April 13. The match saw Kylian Mbappé receive a red card for a reckless tackle in the first half. 

Eduardo Camavinga scored the lone goal for Madrid in the 34th minute. The incident occurred in the 38th minute when Mbappé’s high challenge on Antonio Blanco was deemed dangerous.

The second half saw Vinícius Júnior fouled by Manu Sánchez, levelling the player count as Sánchez was also sent off. The game drew a tight fight for Madrid, who now trail Barcelona in the La Liga race. 

After the match, Real Madrid’s assistant coach Davide Ancelotti spoke about Mbappé’s moves, saying the star isn’t a violent player, is aware of the mistake, and has already apologised.

This was the forward’s first red card since joining Madrid last summer, though he was sent off three times during his PSG tenure.

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As the gem of the Liverpool academy, fans were ecstatic when Trent Alexander-Arnold climbed the ranks and became a first-team mainstay. Since debuting in 2016, Trent has been a fixture of the squad at right-back. Now, he might be on his way out, with reports saying he is set to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2025.

Alexander-Arnold is one of the most talented full-backs in the world, even though his defensive skills are not his primary strength. However, he is one of the most creative playmakers in football. That is rare for a right-back, but he is an innovative player with an unbelievable skill ceiling. While many have discussed his potential role with Real, his likely exit will leave a big void in the LFC squad.

Liverpool will lose their most creative player

Originally brought up as a central midfielder in Liverpool academy, Trent became a right-back in Jürgen Klopp’s system. It was a remarkable shift as Alexander-Arnold still had the creativity of a midfielder in a different position. While he had some deficiencies, especially on defence, the value of his playmaking was second to none.

In his 349 games played for Liverpool across all competitions, Trent has contributed 22 goals and 87 assists. That is almost unheard of from a right-back, as it is a defensive role. However, Trent made it work with his trademark long passes that hit his target often. 

He and Mohamed Salah became the most fearsome right-sided partnership in the football world. Whenever Salah broke through the right wing, it was almost always a Trent pass that propelled him there.

Despite Trent’s likely exit from Liverpool, they have another talented right-back on the team, Conor Bradley. This opens the door for the midfielders as well, as they won’t have to cover for Trent’s attacking responsibilities.

Trent will play the rest of the season with this cloud over his head. Thankfully for him, the Reds are far ahead in the league table. He can end his time with the club with a second Premier League trophy after the 2020 win.

Real Madrid have another superstar

Now that Trent is likely headed to Madrid, he will be another addition to the superstar-laden Los Blancos side. They have always been the club for superstars, as evidenced by club legends like Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Trent will likely join his fellow England international, Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capital. The creative full-back will also have plenty of players to pass to, with names like Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior as the stars of the club’s attack. 

This is a great decision from Alexander-Arnold since playing for Real Madrid means he will be part of the world’s most successful club.

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After an impressive performance in Round of 16 of the Champions League, Arsenal are back to the Quarter-Final stage. This is the second straight year they have done this after missing the UCL for many years. They now set up a date against 15-time winner Real Madrid, which is possibly the best matchup of the competition so far. 

A blockbuster clash between elite teams

This is a matchup that any football fan could enjoy as it’s a fantastic story heading into the two-legged tie in April 2025. Arsenal have long starved for a Champions League trophy, which got even worse when they lost in the UCL Final in 2006 to Barcelona. 

On the other hand, Real has been the most successful team in the competition, as they win it nearly every year. It is only the Quarter-Finals, but if Arsenal can get past Los Blancos, they could win the UCL.

With Bukayo Saka returning soon, he could be the key for Arsenal to beat Real Madrid. It will be difficult because of the championship pedigree and experience the Spanish titans have over their English adversaries.

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Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 in a close match at the Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappe scored first in the 30th minute with an intense shot into the net. Vinicius Jr. scored another goal four minutes later, showing skill with a smooth finish.

Rayo Vallecano did not give up. Pedro Diaz scored before halftime, bringing the score to 2-1 and showing them hope. Both teams had great chances to score during the second half, but Mbappe almost found the net again yet missed just wide.

The victory of Real Madrid is now level on points with leaders Barcelona in La Liga but remains in second place because of the goal difference. Real's defence needs work, as they have let in 51 goals in 46 games this year, ranking them among those with the most goals given up in La Liga. Rayo was tough, taking 20 shots during the game, which shows their strength. Both teams played their best, but Madrid's sharp goals were vital to the win.

As the title race resumes, Real Madrid will face city rivals Atletico Madrid in the next Champions League match, striving to make a big mark on this win and keep their title hopes alive.

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Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham claimed he was unfairly sent off. The team’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, was also angry about the several calls made by the refs after Real Madrid tied 1-1 with Osasuna on February 15, 2025. 

This result prevented Real Madrid from winning in La Liga for three matches. ‘I do not want to go into the details of what was said, but I didn’t insult the referee and I hope they review the footage because it was a misunderstanding, but I am here to apologise to the team anyways�? Bellingham said.

Ancelotti slammed the video assistant ref for not acting on three likely penalties he felt were fouls on Vinícius Júnior, Bellingham, and a handball by Alejandro Catena. The Italian coach grew more upset at the start of the second half when the ref gave Osasuna a penalty. 

The video assistant referee (VAR) asked him to check Eduardo Camavinga’s step on Ante Budimir’s foot. The Croatian forward scored from the spot, levelling the game after Kylian Mbappé’s goal in the first half.

‘I believe there were things that have happened in these last three games that everyone has seen and I don’t want to add more, because I’m looking forward to being on the bench in the next game�? Ancelotti said.

Ancelotti mentioned that the ref booked him after he pointed out a handball in Osasuna’s box, suggesting the ref should check it on VAR. He noted that the VAR seemed to be activated later.

He also voiced concerns about the red card given to Bellingham, stating that the English player did not insult the ref during the disputes. Ancelotti’s anger adds to Real Madrid's ongoing issues with refs, as the club had already raised concerns about the league’s officials earlier in February 2025.

Real Madrid stays on top of La Liga standings

Real Madrid got a point to stay at the top of La Liga in a close title race. Without a win in their last three games, they hold 51 points, one ahead of Atlético Madrid and three of Barcelona.

Atlético Madrid missed a big chance to take the lead as they drew 1-1 with Celta Vigo at home. They played most of the match with ten men after Pablo Barrios received a red card for a harsh tackle on Pablo Durán in the fourth minute.

Iago Aspas scored a penalty in the 68th minute after Robin Le Normand fouled Borja Iglesias in the box. However, Alexander Sørloth came off the bench to score a late equaliser for Atlético in the 81st minute, saving a crucial point for his team.

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed dismay over a controversial refereeing decision in the 1�? draw against Atlético Madrid on February 8 during the Madrid Derby.

A penalty was awarded to Atlético after the Real player Aurelien Tchouameni committed a ‘foul�?against Atlético’s Samu Lino during the first half. This window was taken by Julian Alvarez to score a goal that led to a 1-0. 

In retaliation, Kylian Mbappe scored a goal for Real, which evened the score. With a great performance from Atlético's Jan Oblak, the goal was kept tightly shut. The defence against Real was good enough that the match ended with a draw. 

‘The second half of the game went well�? Ancelotti stated that the game went well and both teams made the game intense. ‘The team was disappointed about the results as they believed they deserved the win�?he said in a press conference. 

Ancelotti has not given any statement regarding the ‘controversial penalty�?so far but acknowledged that the referee is in a good position to see the foul and make the call.

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