Real Betis ended their three-match winning streak in LaLiga, drawing 1-1 at home against Rayo Vallecano. The match, which lasted 104 minutes, was dominated by discussions about VAR actions, which twice took a long time to review controversial situations, including a potential penalty and a red card for the visitors. The draw complicates Betis's fight for direct qualification to the Champions League.

Draw in the Fight for Champions League

Betis, after three consecutive wins, only earned a point, complicating their chase for fourth-placed Atlético Madrid in the LaLiga table.

Controversy Over VAR Interventions

Two lengthy reviews by the VAR system, concerning a potential penalty and a red card, sparked criticism and prolonged the match.

Pellegrini's Criticism of the Referees

The home team's coach Manuel Pellegrini sharply commented on the VAR decisions, stating that it intervened "very poorly, without necessity."

Suspension of Betis Defender

Valentín Gómez received his fifth yellow card of the season and will be suspended for the upcoming derby match.

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the 25th round of the Spanish LaLiga EA Sports, Real Betis drew 1-1 at home against Rayo Vallecano. The goals were scored in the first half: in the 16th minute Cédric Bakambu put Betis ahead, and in the 42nd minute Isi Palazón equalized for the visitors. The draw ended Betis's three-match winning streak in the league, complicating their pursuit of fourth place, held by Atlético Madrid, and direct qualification to the Champions League. 104 — minutes was the duration of Saturday's Betis - Rayo match The match, played at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, was marked by two long and controversial interventions by VAR. The first and crucial one occurred right after the start of the second half, when Nobel Mendy (a former Betis player) slipped and brought down Cucho Hernández right on the edge of the penalty area. After a several-minute review, the main referee Juan Martínez Munuera, after consulting with VAR operator Pablo González Fuertes, ruled that the foul was committed outside the penalty area and awarded only a free kick. This decision meant that Mendy, who already had a yellow card, did not receive a second one and was not sent off. „„Me ha parecido que el VAR intervino muy mal, sin necesidad”” — Manuel Pellegrini – commented the Betis coach after the match. The VAR system was first introduced on a large scale during the 2018 World Cup, and debuted in the Spanish LaLiga in the 2018/2019 season. Its use still sparks numerous discussions regarding the pace of the game and interpretation of the rules. The second long interruption occurred towards the end of regular time, when VAR reviewed another potential penalty, but this time the referee also did not point to the spot. The total delays meant the match ended after 104 minutes. Additionally, Betis defender Valentín Gómez received his fifth yellow card of the season in the 84th minute and will be suspended for the upcoming match, which is a significant loss for the team. In terms of the table, the draw is more beneficial for Rayo Vallecano, who earned an important point in their fight against relegation. For Betis, it is a missed opportunity to close in on the Champions League zone. In another Saturday match, this time in the second division (LaLiga Hypermotion), Córdoba CF lost 2-1 away to Almería, thus ending their run of three consecutive victories.

Mentioned People

  • Manuel Pellegrini — Real Betis coach, who criticized the VAR actions after the match.
  • Juan Martínez Munuera — Main referee of the Betis - Rayo Vallecano match.
  • Alejandro González Fuertes — VAR operator during the controversial match.
  • Nobel Mendy — Rayo Vallecano player, former Betis player, whose foul caused the main controversy.
  • Valentín Gómez — Betis defender, who received his fifth yellow card and will be suspended.