Barcelona LaLiga Player Ratings FEATURES Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona Rayo Vallecano L. Yamal R. Lewandowski
Despite initial difficulties in registering their new signing, Dani Olmo made his much-anticipated debut for Barcelona well worth the wait by scoring the decisive goal in their 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday night.
Hansi Flick’s side faced an uphill battle after falling behind early in Madrid. Just 10 minutes into the match, Rayo Vallecano executed a slick move down the right flank, with Jorge de Frutos finding Unai Lopez in the box. Lopez unleashed a powerful shot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen to put the hosts 1-0 up.
Barcelona responded with a relentless attack, largely driven by the 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal on the right wing. Yamal had a long-range shot saved by Vallecano’s goalkeeper Dani Cardenas and nearly assisted Inigo Martinez, though the defender couldn’t quite finish Yamal’s cross.
At halftime, Flick introduced Olmo, and the midfielder made an immediate impact. He had a penalty appeal denied and later struck the crossbar from 30 yards out, as a tactical adjustment moved Raphinha to the left, creating a more threatening Barcelona attack.
Barcelona’s pressure finally paid off around the 60th minute. Pedri connected with Raphinha on the left before making a forward run that the Brazilian spotted. Pedri managed to control the pass and, after adjusting the ball, struck a left-footed shot into the bottom corner to level the score.
With just 10 minutes remaining, Yamal set up Olmo, who had missed Barcelona’s first two league games due to registration issues. Olmo turned the game around by placing his shot beyond Cardenas into the far corner, securing a dream debut and making it three consecutive league wins for the Catalan giants.