Barcelona locked horns with Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas earlier tonight as they focused on securing a win on their travels in La Liga. The Catalan club made a poor start to the contest as they conceded the opening goal when Alvaro Garcia Rivera found the back of the net for the home side. Barca failed to mount a comeback and went into the half-time interval 1-0 down on the scoreline.
Fran Garcia doubled Rayo Vallecano’s lead in the 53rd minute before Robert Lewandowski got a goal back for Barcelona in the 83rd minute. However, it was too little too late for Xavi’s side as they crashed to a lackluster 2-1 loss away from home.
Let’s take a look at how each Barcelona player fared during the match against Rayo Vallecano.
GK: Marc-André ter Stegen – 6.5/10
The German keeper made a few important saves at the back but still ended up conceding a couple of goals tonight.
RB: Jules Kounde – 6.5/10
He made a few solid tackles and was lively on the right flank.
CB: Ronald Araujo – 6/10
Araujo put his foot through the ball when required but his efforts were not enough.
CB: Marcos Alonso – 6/10
The Spaniard failed to keep things solid at the back and was replaced in the 56th minute.
LB: Alejandro Balde – 6.5/10
Balde pulled off two important defensive contributions and made some decent runs with the ball.
CM: Pedri – 6/10
He struggled to get into the flow of the game and produced an uninspiring display at the centre of the park.
CM: Frenkie de Jong – 6/10
De Jong had some bright moments in the game but it was not enough in the end.
CM: Gavi – 6/10
He failed to dictate the tempo of the game and was disappointing going forward.
RW: Raphinha – 6.5/10
Raphinha had some bright moments in the final third but failed to register a goal.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – 8/10
The Polish striker was a constant menace in the final third and managed to get his name on the scoresheet late in the game.
LW: Ferran Torres – 6/10
Torres caused some problems for the opposition but never looked like he would score.
Substitutes:
LB: Jordi Alba – 6/10
He earned the ball back once.
LW: Ansu Fati – 6/10
Fati made one crucial interception.
CM: Franck Kessie – 6/10
Kessie added some energy to Xavi’s midfield.
CB: Eric Garcia – 6.5/10
He was solid at the back.
CM: Pablo Torre – 6.5/10
Torre came back to defend when needed.
