Draw between Rayo and Barça, one point for each, leaving the Madrid side with 5 points and the blaugranas with 7. Goals by Lamine and Fran Pérez.
An action with VAR but no VAR
The match started off very intense; both teams reached the opposing box with ease and not without danger. Barça did so through passing, with Pedri directing every attack and Ferrán looking for that gap between the center backs. Meanwhile, Rayo strictly followed its game plan, which was to run into space as soon as they recovered the ball.
As a result of that idea, Álvaro García sent a perfectly measured low cross into the box for Ratiu, but his shot was blocked by Joan García. Iñigo's side were comfortable, first because they were creating chances and second because Barça were not comfortable. However, out of nowhere, Lamine would create a play that would end in a penalty for Flick's team.
This referee's decision was surrounded by controversy, partly because for almost the entire first half, VAR was not working. Since they couldn't communicate, the referee's decision stood until the end and Lamine scored the 0-1. That's how the first half ended, with a very angry Rayo (especially Iñigo) and Barça going into the break with the lead.
Draw and into the break
The second half of the match followed the same pattern as the first, with a lot of pace and chances for both teams. Lamine kept trying again and again, but today was not the day for Barça's new "10". However, the best player for Flick's team was undoubtedly Joan García; an outstanding match from the former Espanyol goalkeeper.
The red-and-white team had enough chances to score, but the Barça goalkeeper kept appearing again and again. Nevertheless, Rayo would get the equalizer thanks to a corner, where Fran Pérez appeared at the far post to make it 1-1. Fermín's entrance didn't help Barcelona improve, just as Rashford tried but was not precise.
That's how the match ended, a draw that satisfies neither team. The next match will be against Valencia; we'll see if it's at Camp Nou or Johan Cruyff. Rayo will travel to Navarra to face Osasuna.