Dream Debut for Dani Olmo in Vallecas

Barça continues to sail smoothly. The team led by Hansi Flick defeated Rayo in Vallecas this Tuesday in a match where they improved as it progressed, with Dani Olmo shining above all. The former Leipzig player debuted for the Blaugranas just in time to overturn Unai López’s initial goal and complete a comeback that Pedri had started earlier. Barcelona now has a perfect record of victories and leads the league alone.

And this despite the night starting with a monumental blunder. That’s how Barça began in Vallecas. Flick’s team left behind the euphoria of the early rounds and got lost amid the excitement that Rayo has become in recent months. James Rodríguez, yes, James Rodríguez was in the stands, Camello held a gold medal in his hands, and the local fans roared as only possible when your club turns one hundred years old. This frenzy was too much for a Barça lost amidst the paperwork of the last days of the transfer market. Dani Olmo is already registered, but not his teammates at the start of a match where they were overwhelmed by their rival’s intensity.

And this despite Flick repeating the lineup that Blaugrana fans are beginning to recite from memory, except for Gerard Martín, who was new at left-back. The academy player joined a team where Marc Bernal and Pedri continued to be the compass and where Raphinha was the link with Lewandowski. This formula did not work this time. Rayo came out intense, pressed high up the pitch, and suffocated a Barça that collapsed at the genesis of their play. The red-striped team won duels, and chances began to arrive one after another, like drops carving a groove. Ter Stegen blocked a shot from Álvaro García, Isi shot wide from outside the box, and third time was lucky after a play that ended at Unai López’s feet for him to score easily at the near post.

The goal served as a wake-up call for Barça. The Catalans had given away the first quarter of an hour and had to correct quickly to avoid further damage. Flick urged Marc Bernal to step back and take control in their buildup play, which changed Barça’s dynamics. The academy players are already leading the way, demonstrated by Lamine Yamal being involved in all offensive plays until halftime. The Catalans needed to widen the field against Rayo’s retreating defense, and number 19 insisted on taking on his marker repeatedly until leveling the match. One of his shots was cleared by Cárdenas, and a cross created early doubts for a Rayo team that went into halftime ahead on the scoreboard but knowing they were superior.

The game changed

After the restart, Flick realized he needed freshness between lines and ordered Dani Olmo’s debut. The former RB Leipzig player replaced Ferran Torres, moved Raphinha to the left wing, and positioned himself as an attacking midfielder—a role that suits him perfectly. A couple of minutes were enough for him to showcase his great quality and create space that hadn’t existed before. He connected perfectly with Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and company, assisted Lewandowski, performed several dribbles, and even dared with a long-range shot that hit the crossbar.

It was just the beginning of his show. Dani Olmo changed the game, and Barça surged forward as if they had found their missing piece. Rayo retreated further, and the goal came almost by sheer pressure. Pedri, very involved, set up Raphinha who reached the byline; his cutback was finished by Pedri to equalize. From there on, it was an onslaught. Flick brought on Balde to widen the field even more, and Barça poured forward. They warned with a disallowed goal by Lewandowski due to Koundé’s foul at the start of the play before Dani Olmo sealed it with his goal that secured three points for Barça and rounded off his great night. He did so after an assist from Lamine Yamal and a quick left-footed shot unstoppable for Cárdenas. Dani Olmo is now registered and has started off like a rocket.