Barcelona draw with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga after VAR outage

In a contentious encounter where a faulty Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system caused controversy, Barcelona lost their first points in La Liga this season as Rayo Vallecano fought back to earn a 1-1 draw at home to the champions.

After Lamine Yamal’s 40th-minute penalty had given Barca an early lead, Rayo substitute Fran Perez snuck home a 67th-minute equaliser.

Due to the malfunctioning VAR, Pep Chavarria’s challenge on Yamal, which resulted in the award of the spot kick, could not be reviewed because the system was not in use at the time.

Yamal’s thigh was actually touched by Chavarria, but the penalty award could have been overturned based on investigation.

Both teams were informed of the malfunctioning system at kickoff, but Rayo’s vigorous protests over Mateo Busquets’ decision made sure the rest of the game at Vallecas Stadium was played in a gloomy setting.

Every subsequent decision that went against their side indignant home supporters sounded angry.

At the conclusion of a week in which the Barcelona suburbs claimed a place in the Conference League group phase on their return to Europe after 24 years, the goalkeeper Joan Garcia made several outstanding stops to deny and/or deny Rayo.

In the 12th minute, Garcia made a point-blank save to stop Andrei Ratiu, and he spectacularly blocked Isi Palazon’s attempts to score a breakaway goal and Jorge de Frutos’ breakaway.

In the final minute, substitute Sergio Camello had the opportunity to win the game for Rayo, but he miscued his shot with the mercy of the goal, allowing a grateful Garcia to quickly gather.

Soon after teenager Yamal’s penalty had given Barca an early lead, Daniel Olmo was guilty of missing a simple goal. Olmo’s crossbar strike soared over the top of the crossbar from close range, causing furious coach Hansi Flick to yell out in rage.

Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao are the only two clubs with a 100% record after three La Liga games, despite Real Madrid having won their opening two games. From their campaign openers, Rayo have four points.