Glen Hoddle and Joe Cole were both left aghast Chelsea were not awarded a penalty against Pafos in their crucial Champions League clash.
Liam Rosenior's side needed a victory to move several steps closer to the Champions League group stages against the Cypriot champions. In the first half, the Blues could not find a way past Pafos goalkeeper Jay Gorter, who made amazing saves from Moises Caicedo and Jorrel Hato.
In the second half, Alejandro Garnacho headed a corner onto the arm of a Pafos defender, triggering instant protestations for a penalty. There was no indication the UEFA VAR team had even taken another look at the incident, let alone recommend the referee to view the incident himself.
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After watching it back, Hoddle and Cole were shocked VAR did not at least have another look at what happened. When it happened, Hoddle provided his instant VAR verdict when he said: "It’s definitely hit his hand. He’s shut his eyes as well…dear me."
Cole then replied: “That’s a penalty for me. How have VAR not had a look at that," to which, the commentator suggested: "Maybe they deemed his hands were in a natural position.”
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The ex-Chelsea winger could not contain his frustration, adding: "Who has ever headed the ball with their hands like that? Shutting their eyes with their head down?”
It was a moment which only added to a frustrating night for Rosenior's side. The Blues could have wrapped the match up by half time, but some heroic last ditch defending and great goalkeeper kept Chelsea at bay.
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Chelsea FC and Pafos FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2026 in London, England
It was another frustrating moment for Garnacho (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
However, Caicedo, who nearly scored twice in the first half, managed to break the deadlock in the second half. The Ecuadorian rose highest to nod a looping ball, which was flicked to the back post by a Pafos defender, into the far corner.
It was a moment of relief for everybody in Stamford Bridge. With Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid all dropping points, Chelsea needed a victory to give themself a great opportunity of finishing in the top eight.
The west Londoners face Napoli away in the final match of the league phase so a victory against the Cypriots was vital. It was also Rosenior's debut as a head coach in the Champions League.
Moises Caicedo of Chelsea celebrates after he scored for 1-0 during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Chelsea FC and Pafos FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2026 in London, England
Caicedo did grab what went on to be the winning goal (Image: 2026 Camera Sport)
Before the match, Rosenior was also rocked by midfield magician Cole Palmer being ruled out of another big game. The Chelsea head coach said: "Cole felt a little bit of tightness in his thigh.
"He just misses out. He should be absolutely fine for Sunday (when Chelsea face Crystal Palace away).
"I’ve got to manage the squad as best as possible and make sure we are fit throughout the season with the sheer amount of games we’ve got in a short space of time."
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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