Share this @internewscast.com

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

Barcelona dropped two more points with a disappointing draw away at Rayo Vallecano. ‘We did not play well’ said Frenkie de Jong who was back after a two-month lay-off but could not inspire the three points.

Barcelona were without the injured Marc Andre ter Stegen and making his first start this season Inaki Peña was tested with two early long shots from Izi Palazon. The first flew over but he spilled the second one and Jorge de Frutos almost turned in the rebound.

Pena did save well from Oscar Valentin after the Rayo midfielder had robbed De Jong of the ball on the edge of the area.

Lamine Yamal then danced through Rayo’s defence going past three players but his shot was weak and saved by Stole Dimitrievski. Rayo took the lead on 38 minutes and it was brilliant from the scorer Unai Lopez.

Spanish midfielder Unai Lopez scored an excellent opener on the volley for Rayo Vallecano

Spanish midfielder Unai Lopez scored an excellent opener on the volley for Rayo Vallecano

Spanish midfielder Unai Lopez scored an excellent opener on the volley for Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona's midfielder Frenkie de Jong reflected his side 'did not play well’ in their 1-1 draw

Barcelona's midfielder Frenkie de Jong reflected his side 'did not play well’ in their 1-1 draw

Barcelona’s midfielder Frenkie de Jong reflected his side ‘did not play well’ in their 1-1 draw

Inaki Pena started in goal for Barcelona in the place of the injured Marc Andre Ter Stegen

Inaki Pena started in goal for Barcelona in the place of the injured Marc Andre Ter Stegen

Inaki Pena started in goal for Barcelona in the place of the injured Marc Andre Ter Stegen

Barcelona failed to clear a set-piece and when it came out to the midfielder he unleased a right-foot volley with the outside of his foot. It squeezed past Pena kissing the post on its way into the back of the net.

Oriol Romeu had an up and down start to the second half. First he had to rugby tackle Jorge de Frutos to prevent a counter attack and was booked. He then curled an inviting ball in to Ferran Torres who could not make the most of the header. And he was then taken off to be replaced by Ilkay Gundogan. Joao Felix also came on for Torres and Barcelona almost scored immediately but it was Robert Lewandowski crossing and Pedri heading. It was the wrong way around and Pedri failed to score.

Rayo were now sitting back too much but Barcelona were lacking in ideas. Lewandowski hit a free-kick into the wall and Inigo Martinez sent a header over but the frustration continued. Bebe, meanwhile, was on for Rayo in the hope that he could cause problems on the counter attack.

Xavi’s next change was Raphinha and he almost scored with his first shot but it came back off the post with Dimitrievski beaten.

When Barcelona did get on level terms the goal came off Rayo player. Alejandro Balde’s cross came in from the left and Lewandowski may well have headed it home but before he could make contact Florian Lejuene had stuck out a boot and sent it past his own keeper.

There was a VAR enquiry but when Martinez’ long ball over the top was played Balde had been level with the last defender.

There was a sense that it might be the launch pad for them to go on and win it but despite eight added minutes there was no second goal for Xavi’s team and Rayo made it two draws from two games against Real Madrid and Barcelona.

If Girona win their game at home to Athletic on Monday then the leaders will be six points clear of Xavi’s stuttering team.

Former Chelsea man Joao Felix made an appearance off the bench but failed to impact the game

Former Chelsea man Joao Felix made an appearance off the bench but failed to impact the game

Former Chelsea man Joao Felix made an appearance off the bench but failed to impact the game

Another former Blue Andreas Christensen could not keep out Rayo Vallecano's attack

Another former Blue Andreas Christensen could not keep out Rayo Vallecano's attack

Another former Blue Andreas Christensen could not keep out Rayo Vallecano’s attack 

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

NRL Legend Andrew Johns Mentors England’s Rising Stars Amidst Head Coach Speculation

Rugby league legend Andrew Johns, often referred to as ‘Joey’, has voiced…

Virgil van Dijk Teams Up with a Recognizable Partner in Central Defense; Manchester United’s Revitalized Player Anchors Midfield, While Mo Salah Misses Out: Analysts Unveil Combined Liverpool vs. Manchester United XI

Recent visits to Anfield have understandably been nerve-wracking for Manchester United fans,…

Xavi Simons’ £52m Struggle at Spurs: Insights from Dutch Experts and the Bigger Issue Facing Thomas Frank

Xavi Simons, known for his flair, has yet to make a significant…

Analyzing Football’s Most Notorious Transfers: From Tottenham to Arsenal and Wenger’s Striker to Ferguson’s Squad

They’re deceitful and opportunistic, willing to betray anyone to climb the ladder…

UNC’s Surprising Earnings from Cancelled Bill Belichick Docuseries Uncovered—Jordon Hudson’s Involvement Explained

The University of North Carolina was reportedly on track to earn a…

The Matildas Minimize Hype Surrounding Sam Kerr’s Much-Awaited National Team Comeback

Sam Kerr’s much-anticipated return to the international soccer scene has her Matildas…

Perth’s Elite Abuzz: Brad Jones and Dani’s New Romances Spark Frenzy After High-Profile Split

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones and his former spouse, Dani Rose, have…

Can Brendan Rodgers Rev Up Celtic’s Engine Against Sturm Graz Amid Board Neglect?

Brendan Rodgers’ use of a car analogy following Sunday’s defeat at Dens…