The footage shows Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí’s trailing foot playing Marc Cucurella onside in the build-up to the move, ending a wave of protests from the Spanish side after the left-back appeared to be beyond the last defender when receiving a short return pass from a corner routine.

Cucurella’s delivery into the box was eventually bundled over the line, with the final touch coming off Jules Koundé for an own goal. Barcelona players surrounded the assistant referee at the time, insisting the Chelsea defender had strayed too early, but VAR allowed the goal following a lengthy check.

The initial broadcast angle led many supporters to believe the goal should have been ruled out, sparking a torrent of reaction online. Several fans questioned how Cucurella could be deemed onside until UEFA’s still frame taken directly from the calibrated tracking system illustrated that Cubarsí had inadvertently kept the Spaniard in play by inches.

The incident capped a difficult first half for Barcelona, who also saw captain Ronald Araújo dismissed moments before the interval after collecting two yellow cards in rapid succession. Chelsea, who had already seen two earlier efforts chalked off for separate infringements, took a deserved lead into the break after controlling large spells of the opening period.

Barcelona struggled to create clear chances despite boasting the attacking threat of Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, while Enzo Maresca’s side continued their strong European home form. Chelsea’s victory would mark their third straight win at Stamford Bridge in the competition, reinforcing momentum following their recent rise into the Premier League’s top two.

The result adds further pressure on Barcelona, who reached last season’s semi-finals but have taken only sporadic points on the road this campaign. UEFA’s clarified still, however, ensured that the night’s biggest flashpoint was at least settled with definitive evidence.