VAR's Prominence in Atlético-Valladolid Match
The Metropolitano stadium witnessed an Atlético de Madrid-Valladolid match marked by the prominence of VAR. Referee Díaz de Mera had to resort to video arbitration on two crucial occasions, both resulting in penalties.
The first intervention came after a corner kick, where a possible penalty for a handball by Lenglet was reviewed. Figueroa Vázquez, from the VOR room, alerted the main referee to the unnatural position of the player’s arm.
After reviewing the images from various angles, Díaz de Mera determined that Lenglet had extended his elbow in an irregular manner and awarded a penalty to Valladolid, who took the lead. Just five minutes later, VAR was once again in the spotlight.
This time, the play under review was a challenge on Giuliano Simeone in the area. Once again, Figueroa Vázquez intervened from the VOR room, recommending the review of a possible stamp by Javier Sánchez.
After watching the replays, Díaz de Mera considered that there was a foul and decreed the second penalty of the night, this time in favor of Atlético. Julián Alvárez was in charge of converting the penalty, leveling the match. Undoubtedly, a match where technology played a decisive role in the final result, showing the importance of VAR in the pursuit of justice on the field.
