VAR instrumental in Pumas-Sounders CCL draw

The first leg of the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final was dramatic from beginning to end. Rain poured down on the Ciudad Universitaria ground during the entire first half as Pumas found themselves ahead early in the game.

Juan Ignacio Dinenno missed the penalty in the 36 minute, but the VAR determined that Seattle Sounders’ goalkeeper, Stefan Frei moved too early with the striker from the Liga MX side being offered a second opportunity to give Pumas the lead and converted the penalty with a right footed shot.

VAR key in outcome

Pumas came out strong in the second 45 minutes and once again Juan Ignacio Dinenno bagged the second of the night (his ninth goal of the campaign). The striker from the Liga MX side headed home from the center of the box into the top right corner following an assist by Jesus Rivas.

Just when it seemed that Pumas would kick on and dominate, Seattle clawed their way back into the contest. A penalty conceded by Sebastian Saucedo after a handball inside the box gave the Sounders a ray light of hope in the game with just over ten minutes remaining on the clock. VAR checked the play and gave the green light to the referee to call it after reviewing the action.

Nicolas Lodeiro converted the penalty with a clinical left footed shot to the bottom right corner to make it 2-1 and in the last action of the match, Pumas conceded another penalty after Efrain Velarde fouled Cristian Roldan inside the box. VAR determined that it was a clear penalty and once again Nicolas Lodeiro defeated Alfredo Talavera with a powerful shot to the top left corner.

The game ended with a heated exchange of words between Talavera and Lodeiro after the 2-2 draw at Ciudad Universitaria. The second leg will be played on 4 May at Lumen Field with the Seattle Sounders trying to end the 16 year dominance of Liga MX clubs winning the campaign.