FC Schalke 04 2-3 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points

#2 VAR drama again at the forefront - good or bad?

VAR controversy marred the Schalke-City game as Otamendi was penalised for handball after deliberation

VAR, or no VAR? That was the overwhelming question in this encounter and played a big role as the referee deliberated for far too long before making his decision - penalising Otamendi for a handball while reviewing the hosts' protests that Mark Uth was fouled in an aerial duel with Aymeric Laporte just seconds before Aguero's goal went in.

He struggled to contain the players on both sides and while the VAR monitor pitchside wasn't working, it only worsened things while adding to the tension inside the stadium.

Handball or no handball? Otamendi's intention, body position and the time needed to react quickly enough were all taken into account - but even after full-time, the decision being overturned was still a hot talking point for the experts and supporters to debate.

Perhaps harsh, replays showed his hand wasn't actually in a natural position and given the goalbound nature of the shot, it was a fair decision to make - even if unintentional, which only Otamendi himself will know.

As for the second spot-kick, this one was more clear-cut but still dubious from City's perspective. Fernandinho was adjudged to have held back defender Sane as an inswinging free-kick was being taken and replays showed the same. Arguably soft, the experienced Brazilian should have known better than to put his hands on an opponent. Not least in the box from one of their few dangerous opportunities.