Barcelona coach Flick backs use of VAR in win over Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona head coach advocated for the use of VAR following a number of controversial decisions during their 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in Monday’s match in LaLiga.

The only goal of the game came in the 28th minute from a Robert Lewandowski penalty, which came after a lengthy VAR review after a foul inside the box that the referee didn’t see initially.

The visitors were frustrated by the referee’s non-awarding of their own penalty and were further annoyed when they had an equaliser disallowed through Jorge de Frutos in the 42nd minute.

“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.”

4 – No @LaLigaEn team has scored more penalty goals with the score tied than #Barcelona this season (4, like Alavés and Leganés), with Robert Lewandowski scoring three of those four. Tight. pic.twitter.com/WUHFsbZyLa

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 17, 2025

Monday’s controversy adds to the growing debate surrounding refereeing in Spain, with Real Madrid also finding issue with the Spanish FA and LaLiga.

Barcelona climbed to the top of LaLiga following their victory Monday, with both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid dropping points over the weekend.

While Barcelona are top only on goal difference ahead of Real Madrid, Atletico trail both by a point, while Rayo Vallecano are sixth on 35 points having lost their first league game since early December.

“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 said.

“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.”