Barcelona wanted an personal aim by Rayo Vallecano defender Florian Lejeune within the remaining minutes to salvage a 1-1 attract Madrid on Saturday.
Rayo midfielder Unai López put the hosts forward with a shot from effectively exterior the realm within the thirty ninth minute at Vallecas Stadium.
Barcelona was held in verify till late within the second half. Minutes after substitute Raphinha hit the submit, Lejeune inadvertently turned a cross by Alejando Balde supposed for Robert Lewandowski into his personal web within the 82nd.
The draw left Barcelona in third place within the Spanish league. Leader Girona is three factors forward of Barcelona earlier than enjoying Athletic Bilbao on Monday. Second-placed Real Madrid is one level forward of Barcelona earlier than visiting Cadiz on Sunday.
Rayo, regardless of its modest finances, has now gone undefeated in opposition to Barcelona of their final 5 conferences, profitable three and drawing two. Barcelona’s final win over Rayo got here in Jan. 2021 within the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona performed its first match this season with out midfielder Gavi Páez, who tore his ACL whereas enjoying for Spain final week.
“We didn’t play well, today we didn’t reach our potential,” mentioned Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who began in his first recreation since recovering from a muscle harm that had sidelined him since September.
“We have had lots of injuries. I myself just came back from an injury and I did not feel sharp. The only answer is to keep on working.”
Goalkeeper Iñaki Peña performed his first minutes of the season, beginning instead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who damage his again with Germany. But his dive couldn’t attain López’s excellent volley from lengthy vary.
“In the first half we were superior and then we faded a bit because they are a great team,” mentioned López, whose Rayo moved into eight place.
Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com
