Mateu Lahoz Admits His Mistake: “I Cost Barcelona La Liga in 2014”
Former referee Mateu Lahoz has publicly admitted to making a crucial mistake that may have cost FC Barcelona the 2013-14 La Liga title. In a candid interview, Lahoz acknowledged that a key decision during the decisive match against Atlético Madrid was incorrect and that, had VAR been in place at the time, Barcelona would likely have been crowned champions.
Lahoz: “I Was Wrong”
Reflecting on the controversial moment, Lahoz said:
“With VAR, this La Liga title should have gone to Barça. I was wrong. Both teams had the same number of points, and there was a move we could have seen afterward that Juanfran didn’t touch. From where I was, it was impossible to tell. I’d bet my 20 fingers and toes that Cesc Fábregas had touched that ball. Responsibility was always placed on the assistant referee, but this action is part of a team effort, and I was the only one responsible for it.”
Barcelona fans have long argued that the refereeing decisions in that match were questionable, and Lahoz’s admission adds further weight to their claims.
A Title Decided by Fine Margins
The match in question ended in a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou, with Atlético Madrid securing the point they needed to win La Liga. Diego Godín’s equalizer canceled out Alexis Sánchez’s stunning goal, and a controversial offside call against Barça in the second half left many fans frustrated.
If Lahoz’s decision had gone differently, Barcelona could have won the game and secured the league title instead of Atlético Madrid. His admission now reignites discussions about how officiating errors have historically impacted football’s biggest moments.
The Impact of VAR
Lahoz’s statement also highlights the importance of VAR in modern football. While the system has its critics, it has helped reduce major refereeing errors. Had VAR existed in 2014, Barcelona might have had another league trophy in their cabinet.
As football continues to evolve, Lahoz’s admission serves as a reminder of how crucial officiating decisions are—and how technology can help ensure fair play.
What do you think about Lahoz’s statement? Should past mistakes like this be officially acknowledged, or is it just part of football’s history? Let us know in the comments!
