Atlético controversy shows VAR creates far more angst than it resolves

Football is living through a global case study on whether fairer actually makes for better in the world of professional sport

The number on the sign displayed prominently by the entrance of the football universe had been wiped away. IT HAS NOW BEEN ... 0... DAYS SINCE THE LAST VAR CONTROVERSY.

The second leg of a scintillating Madrid derby in the Champions League round of 16 went to penalties on Wednesday, sending Real through over Atletico. Antonio Rudiger hit the winning spot kick, but the shootout truly turned on an especially eagle-eyed call by the video assistant referee.

Leander Schaerlaeckens is at work on a book about the United States men's national soccer team, out in 2026. He teaches at Marist University.