VAR malfunction as Barcelona’s winning streak ends in 1-1 draw with Rayo

Barcelona's perfect start to the La Liga season came to an end on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano in a heated encounter where a faulty VAR system caused controversy.

Barca took the lead in the 40th minute when Lamine Yamal converted a penalty after being fouled by Pep Chavarria. However, the decision sparked controversy as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was not working at the time, making it impossible to review the incident.

Rayo fought back in the second half, with substitute Fran Pérez smashing home an equaliser in the 67th minute. He was left unmarked at the far post and capitalised on a corner to level the score.

Controversy brewed after the game as replays showed Chavarria did make contact with Yamal's thigh, but the penalty decision might have been overturned upon review.

Both teams were informed of the faulty system at kick-off, but Rayo's vigorous protests over referee Mateo Busquets' decision ensured the rest of the clash at Estadio de Vallecas was played in a tempestuous atmosphere.

Indignant home supporters voiced their fury at every subsequent decision that went against their side. "It is what it is. There are no excuses," Barca manager Hansi Flick told reporters. "VAR should work. I don't know what happened. There was no VAR for either of them. It's not my job."

Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia made several outstanding stops to deny Rayo a win at the end of a week in which the club from the Madrid suburbs secured a place in the Conference League group phase on their return to Europe after 24 years.

Garcia made a point-blank save to deny Andrei Ratiu in the 12th minute and, in the second half, spectacularly denied efforts from Isi Palazon and a breakaway on goal by Jorge de Frutos. Substitute Sergio Camello could have won the game for Rayo in the last minute but, with the goal at his mercy, he miscued his shot, allowing a grateful Garcia to gather easily.

For Barca, Daniel Olmo was guilty of missing a sitter soon after teenager Yamal's penalty had put the visitors ahead. He hit the ball over the top of the crossbar from close in, setting off an angry reaction from Flick. 

"We lacked intensity and made too many mistakes. We can play better. We could have scored more goals," Flick said. "But Rayo played very well. I'm not happy with my team today. We lost possession too often and we have to do better."

Barca had won their opening two games of the season but the dropped points mean Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao are the only two clubs with a 100 per cent record after three matches. Rayo have four points from their opening matches of the campaign.