The Barça head coach addressed reporters after the Vallecas draw, offering his perspective on a tense late moment that shaped the outcome of the encounter between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano.
Xavi Hernández spoke to the media about the events late in the game, when Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano. He voiced frustration over a decision he felt deprived his side of a clear chance to turn the match in their favor, specifically mentioning a potential foul on Raphinha. He urged officials to be consistent, arguing that the interpretations of certain actions have often seemed inconsistent and have not benefited his team in key moments. Although he acknowledged the team’s slower start and the need to lift their level in the first half, the Barcelona coach remained vocal about what he believed should have been a penalty, and he suggested that this is a repeat pattern in decisions that affect high-stakes league games.
The controversy in Vallecas unfolded around the 94th minute with the score still level at one. Raphinha collided with Espino inside the area as he attempted to control a long ball from Gundogan, a sequence that left Barça appealing for a spot kick. The referee Munuera Montero, along with the VAR, chose not to award a penalty, a decision that drew criticism from Barcelona and sparked questions about penalty assessments in late-game situations. The narrow margin and the absence of a review intensified the post-match discussions about officiating and its impact on results.
Overall, the match provided Utrecht-like tension in a late-stage contest, with Barcelona pressing for a breakthrough and Vallecano defending resolutely to secure a point. The outcome added to the ongoing debate about refereeing choices in crucial moments and how they influence the dynamics of the league race for both teams.