Overview

• Referee Mateo Busquets began play without VAR after a VOR communication failure and confirmed service returned for the second half.
• With no review available, a penalty on Lamine Yamal was given and converted, setting up a 1-1 draw later sealed by Fran Pérez Martínez.
• Rayo coach Iñigo Pérez reacted angrily during the incident, even threatening to leave, then apologized post‑match for his behavior.
• Mediapro attributed the breakdown to an electrical‑related technical fault and said VAR operated normally after halftime, as the CTA helps investigate.
• FIFA and RFEF protocols were cited to explain the decision to play on without VAR, while Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong criticized the league over the malfunction.