Key Takeaways:
- Last weekend, Barcelona’s perfect record ended with a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano amid VAR malfunctions
- Pedri openly criticised La Liga after confusion ensued due to inconsistent use of VAR during the match at Vallecas
- Barcelona surrendered their first points of the season as officiating uncertainties took centre stage
VAR Breakdown Disrupts Barcelona’s Unbeaten Run
Barcelona’s impressive start to the season ground to a halt following a turbulent 1-1 draw away at Rayo Vallecano last weekend. The fixture was dominated not only by on-pitch events, but also by upheaval surrounding the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. Intermittent technical failures left players uncertain whether the technology was operational at various moments throughout the game, resulting in widespread confusion for both sides nearing crucial decisions.
Pedri: "The VAR situation vs Rayo was absurd. First there wasn’t, then there was… LaLiga needs to be more serious. I asked Lamine if it was a penalty — he said yes. I heard the kick right behind him. Not sure VAR was even on." pic.twitter.com/yerc89ZO4A
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 2, 2025
Pedri Expresses Frustration with League Officiating
Midfield mainstay Pedri has openly criticised La Liga, questioning the league’s handling of essential officiating technology and highlighting the persistent issues that have plagued matches well into the new campaign. The chaos surrounding VAR on the night echoed previous complaints raised by a number of clubs last season, further fuelling frustration about La Liga’s capacity to deliver consistent and professional refereeing standards. For Barcelona, the loss of points in such scenarios could play a decisive role in their title ambitions.
Pedri’s Comments on VAR Turmoil
During an interview with Onda Cero, Pedri detailed the unprecedented situation: “At first they said there was no VAR, halfway through the match they said there was, then they said there wasn’t… You didn’t know when VAR was on.
“It’s strange, it’s the first match I’ve seen where VAR didn’t work and I think it needs to be improved so that La Liga can be much more serious. The referee would tell the captains whether there was VAR or not and Frenkie would tell us.”
What Lies Ahead for Pedri
The 22-year-old midfielder is now set to join up with the Spanish national team for upcoming matches against Bulgaria and Turkey. Pedri is expected to play a pivotal role for both club and country in the several weeks to come.
