Liverpool’s Opponents Feel Humiliated After Conceding a ‘Rosagolla’ Goal Due To A Mistake

In football, a single moment can define an entire match, and sometimes even linger in memory long after the final whistle. Last night’s FA Cup third-round clash between Liverpool and third-tier Barnsley provided precisely such a moment, courtesy of Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. What could have been a minor mishap turned into a spectacle that left pundits, fans, and even the opposition debating its audacity. As some quipped, “One backheel like that could haunt a player for life.”

Fortunately for Szoboszlai, the worst-case scenario never materialised. Liverpool convincingly defeated Barnsley 4–1, advancing to the next stage of England’s oldest football competition. The Hungarian international had earlier scored a stunning long-range strike, but that feat did little to shield him from scrutiny over his later error.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot commented on the incident post-match: “Whether it’s the FA Cup, the League Cup, a friendly, or a training session, mistakes like this should not happen. It was an unusual decision. I have my own opinions on it, but I’ll discuss it privately with Szoboszlai.”

The controversial moment occurred around the 40th minute. Inside Liverpool’s penalty area, Szoboszlai and Barnsley midfielder Adam Phillips raced for the ball. Szoboszlai gained possession, and with Phillips behind him, attempted a backheel pass—presumably aimed at Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. However, the goalkeeper was slightly out of position, and Szoboszlai lost control of the ball. Phillips seized the opportunity, finishing what has been described as a “rasgulla-like gift” into the net.

Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane expressed his frustration: “I’m disappointed with our goal. Szoboszlai would not have attempted such a pass against Chelsea or Arsenal. In my view, it was disrespectful to the opposition.” Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott echoed this sentiment, calling the misjudged backheel “insulting” to Barnsley.

Despite the backheel blunder, Szoboszlai also made headlines with a sensational goal in the ninth minute—a 35-yard strike that left goalkeeper Murphy Cooper with little chance. Moreover, he achieved remarkable statistical milestones: over 100 passes (105) and 12 ball recoveries in a single match. Liverpool’s other scorers included Jeremy Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike.

Szoboszlai expressed remorse after the match: “I apologise to my teammates. One simple mistake made life harder for everyone.” Yet for many observers, including pundits and former professionals, the backheel will remain a memorable and controversial moment.

Match Statistics

This episode underscores how football can turn a single split-second decision into an enduring story, blending brilliance with blunder in equal measure.