According to “Varzesh3,” Gerard Martin was chosen as the most valuable player in Barcelona’s dramatic comeback against Valladolid. His assist for Fermin paved half the way for La Liga glory. All analysts assumed that after 90 minutes of play in Zorya, this La Masia product would be benched in Milan, with Inigo taking his place on the left. However, Hansi Flick made a logical decision: sending his only specialized full-back onto the field, placing Inigo against Lautaro Martinez (the battle of the two Martinezes), and not benching the player who had just earned his first professional MVP.

This decision was entirely successful for the German coach, as Gerard played a key role in Barcelona’s comeback. He assisted Eric Garcia’s goal, provided another assist for Dani Olmo, and between the two, created the clearest chance of the night for Eric to score another goal, which Sommer saved in disbelief. In fact, Yann Sommer, Inter’s goalkeeper, prevented Gerard Martin from achieving a hat-trick of assists with the best save of the Champions League.

This full-back also had an excellent defensive performance. He won aerial duels against tall Italian defenders and, despite fatigue, was seen in the bitter 93rd-minute goal scene. At that moment, when Denzel Dumfries took the ball from him, the foul was entirely clear.

Dumfries first hit the Barcelona defender’s ankle and then stole the ball. But referee Marciniak didn’t blow the whistle, the assistant referee remained silent, the Italian broadcast didn’t even show a replay, and VAR stayed indifferent.

What should Gerard have done? Maybe, like the experienced Lautaro, who stayed on the ground during the penalty scene, he should have stayed down for a minute, writhing in pain. If Gerard had stayed down, VAR would have been forced to review, and the images would have been checked from different angles. With one angle, the referees would have seen that the goal should have been disallowed. Gerard Martin was too honest and got up too quickly. A sin of youth.