There is a lot of talk of controversy at Santiago Bernabéu, but I think that precisely in that game they were hit in all decisions. Three goals were annulled, yes, but correctly. Of course, the Technical Referee Committee (CTA) has made consultation of FIFA … To clarify the term of “Immediacy” by Guller’s hand.
Speaking of controversy, in Vallecas a penalty about Lamine Yamal was sanctioned that should not be pointed out. There is the circumstance that the VAR was not operational, and therefore could not call the referee. Anyway, with the criteria of “Minimum intervention” Applied this year, having a contact, even if it were minimal, I do not think I would have called the referee.
Finally there is the most rude error, not only of the day, but the most important in Spain since the VAR exists: the Atletico de Madrid goal to Alavés. The VAR arrived to avoid precisely that illegal goals were not achieved out of play, as occurred in Vitoria.
Now comes a break in the league. It will come well to the entire group to reflect, correct errors and, if possible, explain certain decisions in which there are some doubts.
Elche-Levante
Table of Contents
Minute 44: Gol well canceled Rafa Mir For push in the jump to a defense. The striker uses both arms to extend them on the defender’s back, removing any option to clear the ball.
Alavés-Atlético
Minute 7: In Atlético’s goal it seems that there was a clear mistake both in the countryside and especially in the Vor room giving validity to the so much. The images seem to indicate how Giuliano It goes to the ball from offside since there is only one defender (Jonny Otto) closer to the goal line than the rojiblanco attacker.
#30Ago | What happened this afternoon in Mendizorroza is very serious.
The Var was good for the goal of Atlético de Madrid and did not realize that Giuliano Simeone was offside.pic.twitter.com/xmp51HGLBG
– Diego Sink (@mengenenlinea) August 30, 2025
We remember that at least there must be two defenders from behind, so that there is not out of play. They should put the lines, and technically determine whether it is ‘offside’ or not. If it were, it would be a mistake that should never happen, since it is something objective.
Minute 12: Penalty in favor of Alavés. Sorloth Try to clear the ball so that no tenaglia auction. He hits him on the foot, is missing and, with good judgment, the VAR does not rectify the referee
Minutes 33: Sorloth Claim penalty for push in a header. It does not sanction. It is true that the defender puts his arm and risks a lot, but I think it’s not enough to whistle maximum penalty.
Valencia-Getafe
Minute 1: very clear penalty not sanctioned by stomping Santamaría a seeds. The referee does not whistle in the field and does not call him the var.
Real Madrid-Mallorca
Minute 56: Goal of Smiling That, after call from VAR to the referee, is reviewed and canceled by the Turkish footballer. Correct decision. Even if it is an accidental hand, the player who makes it cannot get goal. If the ball had passed to another partner and he would have marked, he would have climbed into the scoreboard.
Minute 73: Fall of Mbappé in the dispute area with Girl. Sánchez Martínez doesn’t whistle. Well arbitrated.
Rayo-Barcelona
Minute 37: penalty sanctioned by demolition of Chavarría a Lamine Yamal. There is very slight contact in the knee, but you cannot whistle a penalty for that. The var should have entered, but since it was not operational …
| Match | Incident | decision | outcome | VAR Intervention | Analysis |
|—|—|—|—|—|—|
| Elche vs. Levante | Rafa Mir’s goal (Minute 44) | Goal Cancelled | Correct | No | mir pushed a defender while jumping for the ball, preventing the defender from clearing it.|
| Alavés vs. Atlético Madrid | Giuliano’s goal (Minute 7) | Goal Allowed | Incorrect | Yes | Giuliano was offside.VAR failed to identify the offside position,allowing the goal to stand. This was widely considered a significant error. |
| Alavés vs. Atlético Madrid | Penalty claim by sorloth (minute 12) | No Penalty | Correct | No | Sorloth was fouled, but the VAR did not intervene. |
| Alavés vs. Atlético Madrid | penalty claim by Sorloth (Minute 33) | No Penalty | Correct | No | |
| Valencia vs. Getafe | Penalty claim for a foul on Seedes (Minute 1) | No Penalty | Incorrect | No | A clear penalty was not awarded due to a stomp. |
| Real Madrid vs. Mallorca | Smiling’s goal (Minute 56)| Goal Cancelled | Correct | Yes | The goal was disallowed after a VAR review steadfast the player handled the ball before scoring.|
| Real madrid vs. mallorca | Mbappé’s fall (Minute 73) | No Penalty | Correct| No | |
| Rayo vs. Barcelona | Penalty on Lamine Yamal (Minute 37) | Penalty Awarded | Incorrect | No (VAR unavailable)| Minimal contact resulted in an incorrect penalty call. |
Q: How does VAR work in La Liga?
A: The Video Assistant referee (VAR) system is used to review key incidents during matches, including goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity, using video replays to aid the referee. the VAR team, located remotely, communicates with the on-field referee to advise on decisions.
Q: What is the “minimum intervention” principle?
A: The “minimum intervention” principle is a guideline used by VAR officials. It means that VAR should onyl intervene if the on-field referee has made a clear and obvious error. This is meant to keep VAR from excessively disrupting the flow of the game.
Q: Why was the Atlético Madrid goal against Alavés allowed, even though Giuliano was offside?
A: This was due to a significant error by the VAR team. Despite the presence of video replays, the VAR officials failed to identify Giuliano’s offside position, leading to an incorrect decision. This highlights that, while VAR is a useful tool, it is indeed not foolproof and is still subject to human error.
Q: What happens when VAR is not operational during a match?
A: If VAR is unavailable due to technical problems, the referee must make decisions without its assistance. This means the referee relies solely on their judgment and the assistance of the assistant referees.Decisions are final. Though, this happened in the Rayo vs. Barcelona game, and because VAR was out, a penalty was assigned to Rayo because of the demolition of Chavarría to Lamine Yamal
Q: How are referees in La Liga trained?
A: Referees undergo rigorous training and assessment, including video analysis, fitness tests, and theoretical instruction. They are overseen by the Technical Referee Committee (CTA), which is responsible for coaching, assigning referees to matches, and evaluating their performances.
Q: What recourse do clubs have if they believe a VAR decision was incorrect?
A: Clubs can express their concerns through official channels, but the referee’s decisions are legally binding. The CTA may later review the incident, but the match result is unlikely to be changed.
