The Barcelona manager Hansi Flick defended the use of the video assistant referees (VAR) after Rayo Vallecano were left fuming following a number of controversial decisions during Monday’s match in La Liga.
The Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski scored the winner from the penalty spot in the first-half following a long VAR review over a foul inside the box that the referee did not catch on first sight. Rayo also complained after they were denied a penalty and were further angered when they were denied an equaliser as they thought Jorge de Frutos’ strike was harshly ruled out in the 42nd minute.
Despite Barça dominating possession, Rayo still looked the more dangerous of the two sides, forcing goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to put in a brilliant performance between the posts to frustrate their efforts. Rayo should still have scored an equaliser in added time when De Frutos missed a header from close-range in added time.
“I haven’t rewatched the incidents but I will always stand by the VAR. We have the VAR and I believe in the VAR, that’s all I can say about it,” Flick told Movistar Plus. “We are very happy for the three points because it was very difficult game for us to win against a great opponent. Rayo are in a good form, playing very well. It was a tough game for the players and I’m proud of them.”
When asked about the calls, a visibly frustrated Rayo manager Iñigo Pérez said: “I prefer to keep to myself my opinion regarding the referee today but everyone acts as they should or believe they should. You always have the pain of losing but today it will take a few hours for me to calm down considering everything that happened and the way we played. At the moment, the only word I can find is bitterness …”
Monday’s incidents added to the growing debate surrounding refereeing in Spain, with Barça’s rivals Real Madrid previously clashing with the Spanish FA and La Liga. With Madrid and Atlético dropping points over the weekend, Monday’s result allowed Barça climb to the top of the standings.
They are level on 51 points with Madrid but lead on goal difference. Atlético trail both by a point, while Rayo, who lost their first league game since early in December, are sixth on 35 points.
“Everyone is happy and I think we played well, but we can also do better. I think it was a great success for us, winning here today and moving to first place, it’s very positive,” Flick added. “However, I’m not a fan of looking at the table, we are still in February and there’s a long way to go. But I’m happy for the players. Their mentality is to fight until the end and we will take it one game at a time.”
