Málaga defender José Salinas was shown a yellow card in the 34th minute after a heavy challenge on Villarreal midfielder Santi Comesaña. Salinas went to ground while contesting the ball and caught Comesaña around the ankle and lower leg. Comesaña attempted to continue but was unable to do so and was substituted shortly afterwards. The referee punished the challenge with a yellow card. No on-field review or VAR intervention has been publicly confirmed, leaving debate over whether the challenge should instead have been judged as serious foul play.