A hard-fought match concluded with a 1-1 draw between Rayo Vallecano and the Blaugranas at Vallecas Stadium, marking the third round of the league.
Barcelona’s midfielder Lamine Yamal struck first by converting a penalty in the 39th minute of the first half. However, Fran Pérez equalized for Rayo Vallecano with a goal in the 66th minute.
Fran Pérez shone as the standout player of the match, scoring one goal, completing 9 successful passes, and attempting three shots on goal.
Defensively, Eric García was crucial for Barcelona, winning 3 duels and clearing the ball from the danger zone on 8 occasions.
Rayo’s coach, Iñigo Perez, set up his team in a 4-3-3 formation with Augusto Batalla in goal; Andrei Ratiu, Florian Lejeune, Luiz Felipe, and Pep Chavarría in defense; Unai López, Pathé Ciss, and Pedro Díaz in midfield; and Jorge de Frutos, Isaac Palazón, and Álvaro García up front.
On the other side, Barcelona’s manager Hans Flick arranged his squad in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Joan García in goal; Jules Koundé, Eric García, Andreas Christensen, and Alejandro Balde in defense; Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha in midfield; and Ferran Torres as the lone striker.
The match referee was Mateo Busquets Ferrer.
Looking ahead, Rayo Vallecano will visit Osasuna next. Meanwhile, Barcelona is set to host Valencia in their upcoming fixture.
Following this match, the home side stands at 4 points, placed 10th in the league table, while the visitors sit in 4th place with 7 points.
Substitutions for Rayo Vallecano
58’ 2T – Unai López was substituted for Fran Pérez
75’ 2T – Jorge de Frutos left the pitch for Sergio Camello and Luiz Felipe was replaced by Óscar Valentín
91’ 2T – Isaac Palazón came off for Luis Alfonso Espino
92’ 2T – Álvaro García was substituted for Gerard Gumbau
Yellow Cards for Rayo Vallecano:
37’ 1T Augusto Batalla (Unsporting behavior), 37’ 1T Óscar Trejo (Insulting the referee), 44’ 1T Unai López (Unsporting behavior), 48’ 2T Pep Chavarría (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Barcelona
61’ 2T – Raphinha was replaced by Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo was substituted for Fermín López
77’ 2T – Alejandro Balde left for Gerard Martín and Ferran Torres was substituted by Robert Lewandowski
Yellow Card for Barcelona:
11’ 2T Jules Koundé (Unsporting behavior)