Barcelona finally earned a victory away to Rayo Vallecano after a 2-1 comeback win on Tuesday to say perfect in 2024/25 LaLiga standings.
Scorer: Lopez 10′; Pedri 60′, Olmo 82′
Walking into the Estadio de Vallecas, Barcelona were winless in three LaLiga matches against Rayo Vallecano but finally ended that curse thanks to their star summer signing. However, the early minutes suggested that might not be the case.
The hosts grabbed the lead when a trailing Unai López somehow slammed the ball beyond Marc-André ter Stegen’s near post for his first goal since 2023. Ironically, the last time he found the net was against Barcelona.
The visitors eventually swung possession and shot attempts in their favour by the break, but nothing could beat a resolute Rayo backline featuring up to six players.
Coming out after the break, Flick handed Dani Olmo his long-awaited Barcelona debut with the EURO 2024 winner finally registered in LaLiga. His introduction proved pivotal as those 45 minutes in new colours changed the game.
Barcelona ramped up the pressure and Robert Lewandowski somehow tripped over a chance from yards out before Raphinha’s free-kick went wide and Olmo hit the crossbar.
The equaliser finally arrived when Pedri received the ball from Raphinha over the penalty spot and cushioned down the pass before drilling home a low roller.
Rayo Vallecano felt the pressure mount and eventually cracked a second time in front of home fans but had VAR to save them. Lewandowski thought he scored from a tight angle but a foul from Jules Kounde in the build-up saw the goal chalked off.
The reversal then opened the door for Olmo to be the hero on his debut. The Spaniard created space in the box and despite three opposition players closing him down, struck into the far corner for his first Barcelona goal.
The victory means Flick’s men have three wins from three in LaLiga so far and sit top of the table while Rayo Vallecano are eighth.
