How did VAR decisions favour Tottenham over Man City?

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VAR Decisions Favoured Tottenham in Crucial Moments Against Manchester City

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) played a significant role in Tottenham Hotspur's advancement over Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, with two key decisions ultimately going in favour of the London club. These calls, one concerning a potential handball and the other an offside, occurred during a dramatic second leg that ended 4-4 on aggregate, with Tottenham progressing on away goals. Despite the outcomes, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his continued support for VAR, believing it contributes to fair play.
Llorente's Goal Allowed Despite Potential Handball

A pivotal moment in the match saw Fernando Llorente's goal, which put Tottenham ahead on aggregate, allowed to stand despite initial controversy. The ball appeared to have struck the Spaniard's hand before entering the net, a situation that typically warrants review for a potential handball offence. However, following a VAR check, the on-field referee's decision to allow the goal was upheld, a crucial turning point that ultimately proved decisive in the tie.
Sterling's Late equaliser Disallowed Due to Offside

In the dying moments of the match, Raheem Sterling had a goal that would have secured his hat-trick and sent Manchester City through disallowed. The review by VAR indicated that Sergio Aguero was in an offside position in the build-up to Sterling's strike. This decision, confirmed after a thorough review, nullified City's potential match-winner and confirmed Tottenham's progression to the semi-finals.
Guardiola Maintains Support for VAR System

Despite the VAR decisions going against his team in both instances, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated his continued endorsement of the technology. He acknowledged that while the handball incident was contentious, with different angles offering varying interpretations, the fundamental principle of VAR is to ensure fair football. Guardiola indicated that he accepts the outcomes of the offside call and believes that, in the long run, VAR will lead to more equitable results in matches.
Pochettino Acknowledges VAR's Impact on the Game

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who had previously expressed reservations about VAR, conceded that the technology is set to fundamentally alter the nature of football. He suggested that while decisions can be debated, the system aims for fairness and that over the course of a two-legged tie, such decisions can indeed balance themselves out. Pochettino highlighted that trusting VAR, whether it favours one's team or not, is now part of the game.

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How did VAR decisions favour Tottenham over Man City?

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