Barcelona have ascended to the top of the standings following a gritty 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. The Catalan side faced challenges early on as Rayo’s midfielder Unai Lopez put the hosts ahead in the ninth minute.
However, Barcelona rallied in the second half, thanks to the creative play of Dani Olmo and the inspiration of Pedri.
Pedri’s Strong Season Start
Barcelona had concerns when the 21-year-old midfielder sustained an injury in July. Pedri injured his left knee during the Euros but managed to recover in time for the start of the new La Liga season. He appeared for 26 minutes against Valencia, started against Athletic Club, and began once more against Rayo. Pedri performed well in the match against Vallecano.
In the game against Vallecano, Pedri scored the equalizing goal for Barcelona with a superb individual effort: he took a touch and finished with his left foot, a shot that goalkeeper Cardenas could not stop. Despite being tackled by Pathe Ciss and substituted in the 90+1 minute for Fermin Lopez, Pedri delivered an impressive performance in Vallecas, earning the third-highest rating on the pitch from Whoscored (7.8), behind only Olmo (8.1) and Yamal (8.4). He had also netted twice in the previous season’s return fixture against Rayo.
Risky Choice by Hansi Flick
Gerard Martin, the 22-year-old left-back, made his debut at Vallecas. He first played 26 minutes in the season opener against Valencia and had a brief appearance against Athletic. However, Hansi Flick chose to rest Balde for the Rayo match, inserting Gerard Martin as the sole change to the lineup. Flick’s selection of Martin was a personal decision, as Martin was signed by Barcelona in the summer of 2023 under the German coach’s preference. Despite being a key player for Rafael Marquez’s Barcelona B squad last season, Gerard was not utilized by Xavi.
Flick’s choice of Gerard Martin was intended as a favor to Barcelona fans, but it proved challenging for the Catalan side. Martin faced difficulties against De Frutos, with many of Rayo’s attacks targeting his position.
Transfer Considerations
Barcelona aims to strengthen their defense this season after conceding 44 goals last year, but improvements have yet to be seen. Ter Stegen has been beaten in each of his first three games this season by Hugo Duro (Valencia), Sancet (Athletic), and Unai Lopez (Rayo).
Coach Hansi Flick recognizes the need to bolster the defense. If Barcelona’s financial situation allows, the club might secure a new center-back before the transfer window closes next Saturday.
Dani Olmo’s Impact
Dani Olmo made his first-team debut for Barcelona at Vallecas, coming on for Ferran Torres at halftime. Having left the club in 2014 while playing for Juvenil B, Olmo had always desired to return. He finally rejoined Barcelona this summer after resolving contract issues related to the club’s wage bill, which had previously sidelined him until the third round of La Liga. Olmo made an immediate impact on the field.
Olmo has brought additional options and composure to Barcelona’s attack, linking play effectively and finishing with confidence. He nearly scored twice against Vallecano, with one shot hitting the post. His arrival has been a timely boost for Hansi Flick’s team at Vallecas.
Barcelona’s Risky Situation
Despite pre-match warnings, Barcelona struggled early in their game against Rayo, traveling to Vallecas with a history of unsuccessful away trips, including two losses and a draw.
