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WATCH: Ollie Watkins denied UCL goal after controversial handball

Ollie Watkins was denied his first-ever goal in the UEFA Champions League after his strike against BSC Young Boys got ruled out due to a controversial handball.

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Saatvik Oberoi
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Ollie Watkins Handball goal
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Morgan Rogers sent Jacob Ramsey scampering down the left. On the penalty spot, he clipped it across for Ollie Watkins. Watkins' initial attempt was stopped by Zoukrou. After gathering the rebound, he fired into the net's lower-left corner.

Olliw Watkins' goal was disallowed, though, after it was determined that the striker's hand was struck by the rebound from Athekame. That appeared to strike him in the chest, and the VAR's decision-making appeared to be based largely on conjecture, maybe motivated by some empathy for the Young Boys, who would have been left in ruins. Because it appeared as though the ball had struck the England striker's chest, supporters on social media believe it was a highly contentious one.

Aston Villa clinch first UEFA Champions League win in 41 years

Lucas Digne found John McGinn, who floated the corner kick long, to open the score for Aston Villa. Youri Tielemans is by himself, just within the box from the right, while the centre of the box is packed. He drops the ball, then pearls a low curler towards the lower left corner.

In the midst of a packed box, Young Boys defender Camara throws an awful back pass onto the keeper for the second goal. In an attempt to go around the keeper on his left, Watkins attempted to nip in. Watkins is brought down by Von Ballmoos, and he lands over the ball in the left side of the penalty area. Ramsey extracts it from beneath him and places it deftly and precisely in the distant corner. 

Villa had two goals disallowed since taking a 2-0 lead, but they now lead 0–3. From 25 yards out, Amadou Onana sent a low daisy-cutter towards the bottom left corner. At full stretch, Von Ballmoos was unable to reach it, allowing Villa to increase their lead. It ended up being an easy win for Aston Villa during their first appearance in the UEFA Champions League in 41 years. 

UEFA Champions League Aston Villa BSC Young Boys
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