Dani Olmo helps FC Barcelona overthrow Rayo Vallecano

The need to confirm and, already, to put pressure on a Real Madrid hesitant at the start of the season. Winner of its first two matches thanks to a Lewandowski in form (3 goals) and a Lamine Yamal as we had left him in the middle of the summer, FC Barcelona went to the Rayo Vallecano pitch on this 3rd day of La Liga with the opportunity to take a 5-point lead over its long-time rival in the event of success. In addition to this, Hansi Flick finally had the opportunity to call on Dani Olmo, qualified for La Liga after several weeks without playing. A small surprise all the same at kick-off since the German coach was without the services of his star recruit of the summer.

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Instead, Yamal, Raphinha and Torres accompanied Lewandowski, in addition to the Pedri-Bernal duo in midfield. This 4-2-3-1 formula did not really bother Rayo in their warm Vallecas atmosphere. The locals even took this match by the right end, not at all impressed by the Catalan stars. After an initial alert (5th), De Frutos hit the right side and found Lopez, who beat Ter Stegen at his near post (1-0, 10th). This poor start to the match forced Barça to take more risks against a team that loves to take them. Under the watchful eye of James Rodriguez, the club’s new recruit, the Madrilenians were more than equal to their prestigious opponent.

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It took the Blaugranas a good half hour to finally take control of the game. Only Lamine Yamal had been able to take advantage of the game so far (19th, 24th). Raphinha tried unsuccessfully, while Ferran Torres, Pedri and Lewandowski got through. Flick didn’t wait to act and decided to take Torres off at half-time to bring on Dani Olmo. It only took the European champion one first ball to raise the level of his entire team. Although he should have been awarded a penalty on his opening move (47th), the attacking midfielder immediately placed himself at the heart of the game. On the initiative (50th, 57th), he saw Lewandowski miss the equaliser on this service from Raphinha (51st) and tried his hand from 30 metres: full bar (59th)!

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But by dint of trying, Barça ended up being rewarded, thanks to this hidden pass from Raphinha to Pedri, author of the equalizer (1-1, 60th). Faced with a Rayo side clearly struggling, the Culés pressed and even thought they had taken the lead with this goal from Lewandowski (71st), until the VAR spotted a slight sole from Koundé at the start of the action. It took more than that to prevent them from winning. After a save from Lejeune (81st), it was obviously Dani Olmo who offered the winning goal to his team, served by Yamal (1-2, 82nd). Bernal’s great attempt (90th + 4) could have ensured a larger success, especially since Nteka had the equalizer ball at the end of his foot (90th + 9). The score ultimately did not change and Barça continued with a third victory in three La Liga matches.