Rayo Vallecano battled valiantly to take a deserved 1-1 draw and point off FC Barcelona. The final caused a worldwide outrage after a malfunctioned Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. The game played out at Estadio Vallecas in Madrid. In the 67th minute, Rayo Vallecano’s Fran Perez equalized, ensuring that Rayo maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with four points from their first two games.
Barcelona’s breakthrough came in the 40th minute when rising star Lamine Yamal scored from the penalty spot. The penalty was given after a foul by Pep Chavarria on Yamal. A cloud hung over the award after a malfunctioning VAR system stole a review of the decision from the match officials and the watching world. This shocking incident highlighted the issues in relying on VAR technology, particularly during the most crucial moments of the match.
Fran Perez scored the equalizer from an inswinging corner kick that couldn’t have been better placed. Being completely unmarked at the back post did not help as the Colombian was able to strike with precision. The goal not only reinstated Rayo Vallecano’s hope for a point but highlighted their determination following their return to European competition after 24 years. They had just recently won through to the Conference League group phase.
Rayo Vallecano’s goalie, Joan Garcia, is a focal point, as he made a number of world-class stops in the match to help secure the draw. His biggest stop came on Andrei Ratiu’s close-range shot in the 12th minute. Then, of course, he wowed the audience with acrobatic stops on Isi Palazon and Jorge de Frutos in the second half. It not only helped Texas State stay in the game, but it spoiled several second-half attempts by Barcelona to retake a lead.
Despite the draw, Barcelona faced their first setback of the La Liga season, dropping points after winning their initial two matches. This outcome means that Real Madrid keeps its perfect mark through three matches. In much the same way, Athletic Bilbao has proven hard to knock down.
In the dying seconds of the contest, Rayo Vallecano almost created a winner. Sergio Camello missed a gilt-edged chance to give Madrid all three points, shooting wide from close range. The tension-filled encounter concluded with both teams sharing the spoils, leaving Rayo Vallecano pleased with their performance against a formidable opponent.
