Champions League Last 16 second leg controversies: penalties, expulsions...

Sporting Clube were the first team to book a place in the Champions League quarterfinals, coming back from a 3-0 defeat in the first leg to hammer Bodo Glimt 5-0 in Lisbon. Others, such as PSG, Arsenal and Real Madrid command significant leads in Tuesday’s action.

There was some early drama in Madrid’s trip to the Etihad to resolve their tie with Manchester City. Former referee Iturralde González, now an analyst for AS and Cadena SER, broke down the most controversial calls of the night.

Bernardo Silva sent off

The first complaint came almost immediately. In the 10th minute, City players appealed for a handball by Fran García after a corner. Referee Clément Turpin waved it off instantly, signaling to play on. Iturralde agreed: “There’s nothing there — his arm is tight to his body.”

But the first real flashpoint arrived in the 17th minute. Vinícius Jr. burst forward, hit the post, and after the rebound, fired again — only for Bernardo Silva to block the shot with his elbow. A clear “Zamorana.” The play was initially ruled offside, but VAR stepped in.

Replays showed Vinícius started the move onside, which validated everything that followed. Turpin pointed to the spot, Vinícius converted, and Bernardo Silva was sent off. For Iturralde, the decision was “correct and crystal clear”: “If it’s not offside, it’s a penalty. And a straight red.” He added a rules explanation: “If Bernardo’s arms were close to his body, it’s a yellow. But because there’s a clear arm movement, it’s a direct red.”

Case closed.

Bernardo Silva has only been sent off twice in his career - he picked up two bookings in the 1-1 draw with Feirense in November 2013 during his time at Benfica, and tonight against Madrid.

Another flashpoint before halftime

Right before the break, it was Madrid’s turn to demand more. Khusanov collided with Vinícius in midfield, sending the Brazilian to the ground. Turpin called the foul and showed a yellow card — but Madrid players pushed for a red.

Iturralde backed the referee again: “It’s a body‑to‑body challenge, not an elbow. He doesn’t lead with the arm. Yellow is correct.”

Real Madrid and Bodo Glimt have been awarded the most penalties in this edition of the Champions League with four each, ahead of five teams with three: Newcastle, Tottenham, Atalanta, Barcelona and Monaco.

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