VAR audio reveals details leading to Barcelona being awarded a penalty vs Celta Vigo | OneFootball

FC Barcelona returned home with three points after defeating Celta Vigo 4-2 in the final match before the international break.

Hansi Flick’s team took advantage of Real Madrid’s slip-up against Rayo Vallecano (0-0), cutting the gap in the league table to three points behind the leaders.

The first half at Balaidos was full of action, with five goals scored. The first came from the penalty spot, after Fermin Lopez caused Marcos Alonso to handle the ball inside the area.

Referee Alberola Rojas had initially missed the action, but after consulting the VAR, he awarded the penalty in favour of the Catalans.

VAR audio released

Now, the RFEF has released the audio of the conversation between the referee and the VAR official on the night, Valentin Pizarro.

Just six minutes into the game, a shot from Fermin struck the Celta Vigo defender and went out for a corner. And Alberola Rojas received a warning from the VAR room in Las Rozas:

“Javi, it’s Valen. Look, I recommend a review so you can assess a potential handball penalty. I’m going to start with the point of impact and then give you the details,” the VAR official said.

Upon seeing the footage on the pitchside monitor, the on-field referee commented: “Okay, I see the hand extended. I see it’s the handball.”

“Yes, yes… the ball is going towards the goal. Stop it at the point of impact. Stop it, stop it, stop it there at the point of impact. If it’s off the ground, it’s going towards the goal, it’s a penalty.”

From the resulting penalty, Robert Lewandowski made no mistake and sent the ball into the back of Celta’s net, despite Ionut Radu managing to get a touch in an attempt to prevent the goal.

It was the first of his three goals on the night, as he helped Barça secure a hard-fought 4-2 win and cut down the gap at the top.