Drama at the Bernabeu as VAR overturns penalty and red card to Real Madrid against PSG

As Real Madrid hosted Paris Saint-Germain at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League, the 13-time winners took a deserved early lead, as Karim Benzema slotted home from close range after Isco's shot cannoned off the post.

In the closing stages of the first half, Mauro Icardi was brought down inside the penalty area by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after clean through on goal, which gave the referee no option but to award a penalty and send off the Belgian shot-stopper. Upon consultation with the VAR, the decision was controversially overturned as Idrissa Gana Gueye was adjudged to have fouled Marcelo in the build-up.

#VAR in the headlines once again.-Penalty (debatable) given to #PSG and red card to Courtois for an alleged foul on Icardi.-Decision overturned by VAR, because of apparent foul in the buildup when Marcelo was pushed back at midfield. Let-off for #RealMadrid.#RMAPSG #UCL 📺 pic.twitter.com/dW3D0eA3nS

— Joga Bonito (@Jasoninho10) November 26, 2019

Although Courtois did bring down the PSG striker, the referee spotted a foul in the build-up and proceeded to overturn his initial decision, much to the Parisian club's dismay. Thomas Tuchel was absolutely furious with the decision and made his displeasure evident, as he reacted angrily on the touchline.

The players were equally frustrated and mobbed the referee in the hope of turning the tables in their favour, but their efforts proved futile. PSG's talisman Neymar started the game on the bench and it is yet to be seen if Brazilian star's services will be called upon at some point in the second half.