Barcelona looked like a shell of their 2024–25 selves in their visit to Rayo Vallecano barely hanging on in a 1–1 draw.
Hansi Flick’s side took the lead through a Lamine Yamal penalty-kick late in the first half. It was all Rayo Vallecano after that. The hosts overwhelmed Barcelona in the second half and eventually found the equalizer with a stellar volley from Fran Pérez.
Rayo continued to generate chances until the final minute, but an inspired Joan García looked determined to prevent Barça’s first loss of the season. The draw might even feel like too much consolation for Los Blauranas given how the game transpired. There’s plenty of work to do for Flick and co. to ensure better performances are coming following the international break.
Here are three takeaways from Barcelona’s draw to Rayo Vallecano.
