First 'phantom' goal awarded by VAR in LaLiga Santander

When Granero's free-kick bounced down off the cross-bar and out, it looked as though the game would continue. However, the referee went to his assistant in the stands.

As.com Update: 26 August 2018 20:53h CEST

In the 61st minute, with the scoreline still goalless, Espanyol's Esteban Granero stepped up to take a direct free-kick. And just a few seconds later, we'd have the first goal to be awarded by the Video Assistant Referee for a disputed ball-over-the-line situation.

Granero plus VAR equals Espanyol joy

It was a great strike from the former Real Madrid midfielder, up and over the wall, swinging from the middle of the goal towards the left-hand post. Neto in the Valencia goal was beaten but when the ball clattered off the underside of the crossbar and then out of the goal, fans and players screamed for a goal to be given. It had come down very close to the line, after all.

Referee Del Cerro Grande didn't initially appear interested, but after a few seconds waved the remonstrating players away and held his earpiece - a clear signal these days that he was in contact with the VAR team. Another nervous few seconds passed and then the official with the replays, Melero López, gave his decision. The goal was given.

The home side had more to celebrate minutes later as Borja Iglesias made it 2-0, a scoreline that wouldn't change again.