Unconvincing Barcelona scrape past Valladolid thanks to VAR review

Barcelona clung on to claim a hard-fought victory over newly-promoted Real Valladolid on Saturday after a stoppage-time VAR review ruled out a late equaliser.

VAR was only introduced to La Liga this season and it was used to show that Keko's diving header was offside, the BBC reports.

The decision denied Valladolid a second point from two La Liga games.

Ousmane Dembele had fired Barcelona into the lead in the in the 57th minute after Sergi Roberto kept the ball in play with a header on the byline.

Luis Suarez also had a goal ruled out for offside with 10 minutes remaining.

Barcelona began the defence of their league title with a 3-0 win over Alaves last weekend but were fortunate to cling on to victory over Valladolid - who finished fifth in Spain's second tier last season.

Goalkeeper Jordi Masip made two impressive saves from Suarez and Philippe Coutinho before the break and former Manchester City forward Enes Unal was a constant threat.

The 21-year-old had an effort tipped over the bar in the first half and Keko came close to equalising with another header after the break.

On a newly-laid pitch that began cutting up in the warm-up, a number of Barca players were left visibly frustrated as they struggled to impose their usual passing style, according to a Reuters report

“It was deplorable,” said defender Gerard Pique of the surface.

“It’s not even a question of being able to play football, rather the risk of injury to professionals. I hope those in charge do their jobs and sort this out because it’s a disgrace.”