Barcelona Fail To Get Winning La Liga Start In Vallecano Stalemate

14th August 2022

On Sunday, champions Real Madrid head to promoted Almeria while, on Monday, Atletico Madrid head south to face Getafe

Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona reacts during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou on August 13, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. PHOTO | AFP
Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona reacts during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou on August 13, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. PHOTO | AFP
SUMMARY
  • Barcelona did not begin their La Liga season how they would have hoped after they were held to a barren draw by Rayo Vallecano in the season opener on Saturday
  • Captain Sergio Busquets was sent off late on in a match where the Catalans had 21 shots on goal and the majority of possession at the Camp Nou but were unable to break the deadlock
  • The five-time Champions League winners had to comply with La Liga’s strict financial controls before being able to confirm the likes of ex-Bayern Munich attacker Lewandowski in their squad ahead of the new campaign

Barcelona did not begin their La Liga season how they would have hoped after they were held to a barren draw by Rayo Vallecano in the season opener on Saturday.

Captain Sergio Busquets was sent off late on in a match where the Catalans had 21 shots on goal and the majority of possession at the Camp Nou but were unable to break the deadlock.

Barca boss Xavi started close-season signings including defender Andreas Christensen, winger Raphinha and striker Robert Lewandowski, who were only able to feature after being registered with the league late on Friday.

The five-time Champions League winners had to comply with La Liga’s strict financial controls before being able to confirm the likes of ex-Bayern Munich attacker Lewandowski in their squad ahead of the new campaign.

The Poland forward was judged to be offside from an Ousmane Dembele pass before his delicate chipped finish was cancelled out.

As rain fell at the Camp Nou in temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) Pedri came close to breaking the deadlock with 10 minutes of the half to play but his curling effort flew past the post.

With half an hour to play Xavi brought on Frenkie de Jong for Gavi despite the Netherlands midfielder being linked with a move away from Catalunya to lighten club debt, which forced Lionel Messi to leave 12 months ago.

Xavi’s side ended the game with 10 men as club skipper Busquets was red-carded for an elbow on Falcao in the fourth of eight injury time minutes.

Less than 60 seconds later, Falcao thought he had scored the winner, and claimed Rayo’s third straight win over the Catalans, but was found to be offside and the visitors held on for the point.

Earlier, 21-year-old winger Alex Baena scored twice on just his eighth La Liga appearance as Villarreal beat Real Valladolid 3-0.

Forward Joselu claimed a point for Espanyol at Celta Viga with a 97th minute winner with a 2-2 draw after the Galicians’ veteran striker Iago Aspas scored his side’s opening goal of a season for a third straight campaign.

On Sunday, champions Real Madrid head to promoted Almeria while, on Monday, Atletico Madrid head south to face Getafe.

On Friday, Osasuna stunned Champions League qualifiers Sevilla 2-1 in the opening fixture of the campaign.