Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Barcelona: score, goals, highlights, LaLiga ...
FT: Rayo 1-1 Barça
as.comPosted at: 10:13EST25/11/2023
Despite a better second half performance, FC Barcelona struggled to break down a well drilled Rayo Vallecano side and in his time as manager of the Catalan club, Xavi Hernandez has yet to record a win over the men from Vallecas.
The first half belonged to Rayo as they battled for every ball in the centre of the park and despite creating little in clear cut chances, were the brighter team against a lethargic Barcelona.
The goal came in the 39th minute as the ball set up nicely for Unai Lopez at the edge of the area and the Basque player drove a missile that sneaked in leaving Iñaki Peña with no chance.
Barcelona improved in the second half and eventually started to dominate with Gundogan and Joao Felix creating danger for a Rayo side who visibly tired as the game wore on.
The equalizer came as the clock ticked down with Florian Lejeune inadvertently stabbing the ball into his own net as Robert Lewandowski waited to pounce.
A draw a fair result but, once again a sub par performance from Xavi's Barcelona.
as.comPosted at: 15:01EST25/11/2023
as.comPosted at: 10:06EST25/11/2023
FT in Vallecas and it ends in a 1-1 draw.
as.comPosted at: 10:00EST25/11/2023
We've now played eight additional minutes and we seem destined for a draw.
The ref awards a red card to a Barcelona backroom staff member.
as.comPosted at: 09:59EST25/11/2023
De Jong carded as he collides with Balliu.
as.comPosted at: 09:55EST25/11/2023
Joao Felix carded for complaining
as.comPosted at: 09:53EST25/11/2023
The ball falls to Pathe Cisse and the Senegal man fails to secure the required accuracy with the strike.
as.comPosted at: 09:53EST25/11/2023
Seven minutes of time to be added.
as.comPosted at: 09:51EST25/11/2023
Falcao yellow carded as he clips Cancelo.
as.comPosted at: 09:50EST25/11/2023
Final two minutes of action at Vallecas.
3-4 minutes of added time I'd say with stoppages few and far between during the game.
as.comPosted at: 09:50EST25/11/2023
Rayo need to switch their mindset if they are to try and bag a second. It's been a defensive approach from Francisco's men in the second 45'.
as.comPosted at: 09:47EST25/11/2023
Final five minutes of action in Vallecas.
Barcelona with all the initiative now and have 'previous' at snatching things at the death.
as.comPosted at: 09:46EST25/11/2023
Actually, it was Lejune who knocks the ball into his own net.
as.comPosted at: 09:44EST25/11/2023
as.comPosted at: 09:44EST25/11/2023
Barcelona draw level and Lewandowski pulls the Catalan side level with a solid header from a Balde delivery.
as.comPosted at: 09:44EST25/11/2023
Next up for Rayo: (A) to Athletic Club
Next up for FCB: (H) to Atletico Madrid
as.comPosted at: 09:42EST25/11/2023
as.comPosted at: 09:44EST25/11/2023
Into the last ten minutes we go and still no change in the scoreboard.
as.comPosted at: 09:40EST25/11/2023
Raphinha strikes the post with his first touch and finally Rayo clear the danger.
Rayo are on the ropes now and hanging on.
as.comPosted at: 09:38EST25/11/2023
Changes for Barcelona
Yamal and Pedri off
Fermin and Rapinha on
as.comPosted at: 09:37EST25/11/2023
Changes for Rayo
Falcao and Pathe Cisse set to come on
Mumin and Camello leaving the action
as.comPosted at: 09:35EST25/11/2023
Barcelona only beaten once this season (in El Clasico) and a loss today would be a major setback for Xavi ahead of a week that includes Champions League and a game against Atletico Madrid.
as.comPosted at: 09:34EST25/11/2023
We move into the final quarter of an hour and still no way through for the Catalan side.
as.comPosted at: 09:33EST25/11/2023
Unai Lopez drags De Jong back and it's a yellow for the goal scorer and danger for Rayo.
as.comPosted at: 09:30EST25/11/2023
The best chances that have fallen the way of Xavi's side have all come from headers,
as.comPosted at: 09:30EST25/11/2023
Rayo changes
De Frutos and Trejo off
Bebe and Kike Perez on
as.comPosted at: 09:29EST25/11/2023
It's all Barcelona now as they lay siege to the Rayo goal.
as.comPosted at: 09:28EST25/11/2023
Espino is carded as he clips Pedri.
as.comPosted at: 09:24EST25/11/2023
Poor from the German international as the ball fails to get past Camello.
as.comPosted at: 09:23EST25/11/2023
Dangerous free for Barça as Pedi gets clipped.
A long way out... Gundogan over the ball.
as.comPosted at: 09:23EST25/11/2023
Approaching the hour mark and Barça are starting to play with a touch more intensity.
as.comPosted at: 09:20EST25/11/2023
For the first time all game, the few travelling Barcelona fans make themselves heard.
Barcelona go close as Pedri heads over.
The visitors starting to get back into the contest now.
as.comPosted at: 09:17EST25/11/2023
Barcelona changes
Gundogan and Joao Felix on
Romeu and Ferran making way
as.comPosted at: 09:16EST25/11/2023
Romeu carded as he takes out De Frutos who was clear of the central player.
as.comPosted at: 09:12EST25/11/2023
Rayo still swarming around the Barcelona player every time they get the ball in a central area.
Mumin intervenes well as Christensen almost latches onto a decent ball in the Rayo box.
as.comPosted at: 09:11EST25/11/2023
Joao Felix also warming up too and the Portugal striker is set to be an imminent addition.
Cancelo with a fine strike but just fails to secure the required accuracy.
as.comPosted at: 09:08EST25/11/2023
Off we go, Rayo start the second half.
as.comPosted at: 09:06EST25/11/2023
Gundogan starting to warm up for Barcelona and am sure that it won't be long before we see the former Man City man in action.
as.comPosted at: 09:06EST25/11/2023
Rayo are back on the pitch as the azulgrana side slowly return too to the compact ground in the middle of tower blocks in the south east of the Spanish capital.
as.comPosted at: 09:05EST25/11/2023
Barcelona have really struggled to get out of first gear in the opening half and that will be of a concern for Xavi who will demand more from his side in the second 45 minutes.
Rayo have given little away and to date have won the key battle in the centre of the park.
as.comPosted at: 09:02EST25/11/2023
A wonderstrike from Unai Lopez has the home side ahead.
as.comPosted at: 08:50EST25/11/2023
as.comPosted at: 08:50EST25/11/2023
The whistle sounds and Rayo lead at the interval.
as.comPosted at: 08:50EST25/11/2023
De Frutos looks for Camello but Barcelona manage to clear the danger.
as.comPosted at: 08:48EST25/11/2023
3 minutes of time added on.
as.comPosted at: 08:47EST25/11/2023
Final minute of the half
Rayo leading in terms of shots on target: 3-2
as.comPosted at: 08:46EST25/11/2023
Decent ball from Lamal but no Barça player able to get a head on the ball.
as.comPosted at: 08:45EST25/11/2023
Rayo ahead in Vallecas
as.comPosted at: 08:43EST25/11/2023
Rayo the better side and the goal is not undeserrved.
as.comPosted at: 08:43EST25/11/2023
The goal stands
as.comPosted at: 08:42EST25/11/2023
Hold that ... VAR may be consulted for a possible offside.
as.comPosted at: 08:41EST25/11/2023
as.comPosted at: 08:40EST25/11/2023
Goooooooooool.
Unail Lopez fires Rayo ahead with a super strike....a missle from the Basque player.
as.comPosted at: 08:40EST25/11/2023
Isi collides with Martinez and needs medical attention.
Not looking good for the Rayo talisman.
as.comPosted at: 08:38EST25/11/2023
The battle in the centre of the park is excellent. De Jong and Romeu against Trejo and Isi.
No quarter being given.
as.comPosted at: 08:37EST25/11/2023
The first card of the day is awarded to Barcelona's Pedri.
as.comPosted at: 08:33EST25/11/2023
Half an hour gone and still no breakthrough from either side.
as.comPosted at: 08:32EST25/11/2023
Wow... what a run from Lamal as he weaves past three Rayo players but stabs the ball at the Rayo keeper ... great run, poor finish.
as.comPosted at: 08:30EST25/11/2023
Sustained pressure from Rayo now as Espino shoots but his effort is blocked.
Nether keeper really tested apart from the early Isi effort in the opening minutes.
as.comPosted at: 08:28EST25/11/2023
as.comPosted at: 08:25EST25/11/2023
Rayo sitting a little deeper and Barcelona are starting to grow into the match.
as.comPosted at: 08:24EST25/11/2023
Barcelona are far from comfortable but win a second corner after good work from Lamal.
as.comPosted at: 08:23EST25/11/2023
Corner for the Catalan side. First one of the match.
Poor delivery and the ball drifts out for a throw in.
as.comPosted at: 08:21EST25/11/2023
Barcelona dominating things in terms of possession after 15 minutes.
as.comPosted at: 08:17EST25/11/2023
Contested balls where possession is lost
as.comPosted at: 08:16EST25/11/2023
First shot on target from Barcelona as Pedri works space well and shoots a curling effort straight at Dimitriviski.
as.comPosted at: 08:16EST25/11/2023
A half hearted appeal from Rayo fans for a spot kick but the referee is having none of it.
as.comPosted at: 08:15EST25/11/2023
Oscar Valentin gets the ball on the edge of the box after Barcelona give the ball away cheaply.
The Rayo man shoots tamely at Iñaki Peña and should have done better.
as.comPosted at: 08:11EST25/11/2023
Barcelona break into the Rayo box and Lewandowski just runs out of space and the ball runs wide.
First real danger from the visitors.
as.comPosted at: 08:10EST25/11/2023
Rayo adopting a high press and denying the Catalan side any time on the ball.
as.comPosted at: 08:07EST25/11/2023
Isi strikes again and Peña drops the ball and at the second time of asking, manages to grab the hi-viz ball.
as.comPosted at: 08:06EST25/11/2023
Barcelona yet to find any consistent rhythm with the home side enjoying the better of the opening minutes.
as.comPosted at: 08:05EST25/11/2023
First effort of the day comes from Isi Palazon but the man from Murcia drives high and wide.
as.comPosted at: 08:05EST25/11/2023
The new hi-viz yellow Puma winter ball being employed today for the first time this season.
as.comPosted at: 08:03EST25/11/2023
Off we go, game 2 of matchday 14 is underway.
as.comPosted at: 08:02EST25/11/2023
All set... Barcelona to start the action.
as.comPosted at: 08:01EST25/11/2023
Oscar Vanetin and De Jong pose with the match officials ahead of the protocol pre-game rituals.
as.comPosted at: 08:00EST25/11/2023
The teams take to the pitch.
Full house and a colorful red and white tifo from the Rayo fans which reads ARDV (Agrupacion Deportivo Rayo Vallecano).
as.comPosted at: 07:59EST25/11/2023
Kick-off just minutes away at the Estadio de Vallecas..
as.comPosted at: 07:57EST25/11/2023
Good to have De Jong back
The Dutch midfield maestro returns to the Barcelona team since sustaining injury in the game against Celta Vigo at the end of September.
He also takes the captains armband.
as.comPosted at: 07:53EST25/11/2023
Rayo looking to improve home form
Last season, under Iraola, Vallecas was a mini fortress, something that new manager Francisco has been unable to replicate with just one home win at home all season.
Based solely on away form, Rayo would sit third in the LaLiga table !
as.comPosted at: 07:50EST25/11/2023
Estadio de Vallecas: sold out
The Vallecas club have confirmed that all match tickets for the visit of FC Barcelona are sold out.
as.comPosted at: 07:46EST25/11/2023
Rayo v Barça in Panini stickers
3 of the four player selected in the stickers are in the starting line-up with Raul de Tomas starting on the Rayo bench.
as.comPosted at: 07:39EST25/11/2023
Rayo-Barça - matchday weather
It's a mild November day in the Spanish capital with not a cloud in the sky and ideal conditions for both players and fans alike at the stadium.
16C-63F expected at kick-off
as.comPosted at: 07:34EST25/11/2023
Rayo defender Florian Lejune is the only player on the pitch today who will need to watch his step with the 32-year-old one card away from suspension.
as.comPosted at: 07:25EST25/11/2023
Rayo-FCB: ticket prices
Despite the home side elevating the average ticket price for the visit of the Catalan side, today's match should be close to a sell-out.
The club have approximately 12,000 season ticket holders in a 15,000 capacity stadium.
as.comPosted at: 07:24EST25/11/2023
Rayo-Barça: last time in Vallecas
Rayo ran out 2-1 winners with both Garcias (Fran and Alvaro) bagging the two strikes for the home side. Alvaro is today suspended with Fran back at parent club Real Madrid.
as.comPosted at: 07:13EST25/11/2023
Rayo-FCB: match officials
Munuera Montero: Referee
Jaime Latre: VAR
Iñigo Prieto: Assistant referee
Martínez Moreno: Assistant referee
Sánchez Villalobos: Fourth official
Jaen native, José Luis Munuera Montero has officiated in La Liga since 2016. He has been a FIFA referee since 2019, and is ranked as a UEFA second category referee.
as.comPosted at: 07:11EST25/11/2023
Rayo Vallecano's Spanish midfielder #18 Alvaro Garcia / OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP
No Alvaro for Rayo
Rayo will miss Alvaro Garcia today with the midfielder carrying out a suspension from an accumulation of yellow cards.
as.comPosted at: 07:08EST25/11/2023
Ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto and Gavi are the long term injury concerns for Barcelona.
as.comPosted at: 07:07EST25/11/2023
Rayo vs Barça: recent meetings
Three wins from the past five games for Rayo against Barcelona will have Xavi on red alert as his side travel to Vallecas.
Expect one goal to be the difference between both teams today.
as.comPosted at: 07:05EST25/11/2023
Xavi's side may be third in LaLiga but most fans would agree that they have really failed to impress this season, a task now made that bit more complicated due to the ACL tear that will rule Gavi out for at least 9 months.
as.comPosted at: 07:02EST25/11/2023
as.comPosted at: 07:01EST25/11/2023
Rayo come into the game on a decent run of form with the only blip in recent games coming at home to Girona, a game marked by the emotional return of Michel, current coach of the Catalan side and Vallecas native.
as.comPosted at: 07:01EST25/11/2023
as.comPosted at: 06:59EST25/11/2023
The Catalan giants are currently sitting third in the standings with 30 points, four points behind surprising leaders Girona. Rayo, meanwhile, are in 10th spot but recently went on an eight-game unbeaten run in LaLiga.
as.comPosted at: 06:56EST25/11/2023
Rayo name starting line up
Isi Palazon is the man to watch for Rayo and has been on the fringe for some time of making the Spanish national squad. Striking responsibilities today fall to Camello with Raul de Tomas on the bench.
as.comPosted at: 06:55EST25/11/2023
FCB starting XI
Xavi has named his side for the clash against Rayo with Iñaki Peña manning the sticks in the absence of Ter Stegen as De Jong returns to the team after a long term absence since sustaining injury against Celta at the end of September,
as.comPosted at: 06:53EST25/11/2023
Rayo-Barcelona: start time
The match at the Estadio de Vallecas in Madrid, will get underway at 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT.
as.comPosted at: 06:51EST25/11/2023
Hello and welcome to our live LaLiga EA Sports coverage as Barcelona travel to Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano in the early Saturday kick-off.
as.comPosted at: 06:50EST25/11/2023
