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7h ago

Barcelona Held 1-1 at Rayo as VAR Failure Overshadows Yamal Penalty

A first-half VAR outage left the penalty unreviewable, sharpening focus on Hansi Flick’s critique of errors.

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona - Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain - August 31, 2025 FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal in action with Rayo Vallecano's Pep Chavarria REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona - Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain - August 31, 2025 Rayo Vallecano's Pep Chavarria in action with FC Barcelona's Jules Kounde REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
Yamal Garcia Olmo Barcelona GFX

Overview

  • Lamine Yamal won and converted a 40th-minute penalty to put Barcelona ahead before Rayo substitute Fran Pérez volleyed a 67th-minute equaliser from a corner.
  • Match officials informed both teams at kick-off that VAR was malfunctioning, so Pep Chavarría’s foul on Yamal could not be reviewed, prompting sustained protests from Rayo.
  • Goalkeeper Joan García produced multiple late saves to deny Jorge de Frutos and Isi Palazón, preserving a point for the champions.
  • Hansi Flick said Barcelona "didn't deserve more" and faulted his side for turnovers and missed chances, with notable opportunities squandered by Dani Olmo and Raphinha.
  • The draw ends Barça’s perfect start and leaves them fourth, two points behind early leaders Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao going into the international break.