Overview

• In the 61st minute at Mestalla, referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias changed an initial yellow on Dani Vivián for a foul on Santamaría to a straight red after a VAR-recommended on-field review.
• VAR official Valentín Pizarro advised a check for a possible red for an ‘ocasión manifiesta de gol,’ according to the published audio.
• Multiple camera angles were reviewed to gauge distance to goal and whether Areso could arrive to cover before the referee decided “amarilla por roja.”
• After confirming the upgrade, Ortiz Arias sought out Vivián on the pitch to show the red as the defender protested the call.
• Ernesto Valverde said the dismissal forced Aymeric Laporte’s earlier-than-planned return, reshaping Athletic’s plan and leaving the side down to ten for roughly half an hour.