In a tightly contested matchup at La Cartuja, Rayo Vallecano drew against Real Betis, effectively stopping the latter's quest for a Champions League spot. The match was characterized by two protracted and contentious VAR reviews that heavily influenced the outcome. These interruptions not only extended the game's duration to 104 minutes but also sparked debates over refereeing decisions, bringing VAR's efficacy into question once again.

The first VAR incident occurred early in the second half when Rayo's Mendy was accused of fouling Cucho just inside the area. However, after extensive review, referee Martínez Munuera awarded a free-kick outside the box, a decision that left many Betis fans dissatisfied. The second review came in the 86th minute when Valentín's challenge on Ratiu was scrutinized, with VAR checking if it warranted a penalty or a red card. Ultimately, a free-kick was still awarded outside the area, showcasing the difficulty in reaching conclusive decisions with the technology at hand.

With this draw, Rayo Vallecano delivered a significant blow to Betis's ambitions for a top-four finish in La Liga, complicating their journey toward potential Champions League qualification. The controversies surrounding the VAR calls may also fuel further criticism of officiating standards in Spanish football, underlining the ongoing debates regarding the balance between technology and traditional refereeing.