La Liga release VAR tape explaining why Barcelona conceded controversial penalty on way to comeback win at Levante

The reigning Spanish champions were stunned when referee Alejandro Hernandez pointed to the spot after VAR adjudged Alejandro Balde to have handled the ball following Jose Luis Morales' long-range strike in the first half.

Replays would go on to show that the ball struck Balde, 21, on the wrist as he attempted to block the shot, with Barcelona left fuming over what they believed to be an unfair decision by VAR. Levante forward Morales soon converted the penalty to give the hosts a surprise 2-0 lead heading into the half-time interval.

La Liga, via Marca, have since released the tape explaining what led VAR operator Jorge Figueroa to encourage referee Hernandez to award the penalty.

"Okay, it's quite far out, yes, correct, on the shot on goal," Figueroa told Hernandez. "He [Balde] puts his arm out. Penalty, no card, just a penalty."

Barcelona did not let the decision get the better of them, though, as they staged a remarkable second-half fightback at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia. Two quickfire goals from Pedri and Ferran Torres set Hansi Flick's side on their way before an own goal from Levante defender Unai Elgezabal sealed the 3-2 victory for the visitors.

Barcelona are next in action when they travel to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on August 31, before the international break commences in early September. Flick's men have won their first two league games of the 2025-26 campaign, having defeated Mallorca 3-0 in their opening fixture on August 16.