Rayo Vallecano Snatch Crucial Point In Barcelona Stalemate

Rayo Vallecano earned a 1-1 draw at Barcelona. The Madrid team outplayed the defending champions for a lot of the match at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona started well and scored late in the first half. Lamine Yamal got the lead by earning and scoring a penalty in the 40th minute. He was fouled inside the box. The penalty was controversial because VAR didn’t work due to a malfunction. Rayo‘s players and staff were upset since no review happened. They felt the decision was harsh. Despite being behind, Rayo pushed forward and controlled much of the second half. They were rewarded in the 67th minute when Fran Pérez volleyed in from a corner. More Rayo’s chances came later, but Barcelona’s Joan García made brilliant saves to salvage a point for the home side.

STANDINGS AND PLAYERS IN FOCUS

This result means Barcelona drop their first points of the La Liga season after opening with two wins. Barcelona had won their first two league matches this season and was at the top of the La Liga table, confirming their strong start to the campaign, but now sit two points behind Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid. Rayo Vallecano had their first win of the season and have 4 points form three matches. Lamine Yamal now has two goals this season at just 18, continuing his impressive start, but it was the performances from Rayo’s Fran Pérez and Barcelona’s Joan García that stood out. García made at least five crucial saves to deny Rayo’s attackers and preserve the draw.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BOTH TEAMS?

After the international break, Barcelona will look to return to winning ways when they host Valencia. Valencia are currently 9th with three points distance to Barça. Barcelona need a win to keep pace with rivals at the top and to address concerns about recent performances. Rayo visit Osasuna, who are currently thirteenth. Both matches will have a big impact on the upper part of the table. Rayo, just behind Barcelona three points behind, can climb above them with a win if Barça slip up again. The next fixtures will be crucial for setting the tone ahead of a busy autumn in La Liga.