Barcelona head into the September international break with their winning start to the season ended by a draw at Rayo Vallecano,
Player ratings
Joan Garcia – 7
Could do little about Rayo’s late equaliser and made two vital saves late on to ensure a point for Barcelona.
Jules Kounde – 7
Rotated into the starting side as part of two defensive changes from Hansi Flick, Handled his return positively but wasted a fine first half chance.
Eric Garcia – 7
Shuffled infield by Kounde’s return and battled hard late on as Rayo poured in search of a winner.
Andreas Christensen – 6
The other defensive swap made by Flick and the Dane looked a little short of match fitness alongside Garcia.
Alejandro Balde – 7
Undisputed now as Flick’s first-choice left-back and looked strong bursting forward but was tested by Andrei Ratiu’s forays forward.
Pedri – 7
Kept Barcleona ticking over in midfield but not able to make his usual mark as a creative force.Frenkie de Jong – 7.5
Brought back in after missing the Levante win. Very tidy in possession and kept Barcelona moving forward as the game ebbed in Rayo’s direction.
Lamine Yamal – 8.5
Involved in the main controversy of the night, but kept his cool superbly to score from the spot, and prove there is almost no weakness to his game.
Dani Olmo – 6
Will look back on misses either side of the break as turning points after being handed the No.10 role from the start by Flick.
Raphinha – 6.5
Shackled well by Ratiu and the rest of Rayo’s defence – a quiet night for Barcelona’s Brazilian on the wing.
Ferran Torres – 7
Tonight could be his last start for a while after a really positive start to the season as Robert Lewandowski’s stand-in. Replaced by the Poland star late on and the old gang should be back together after the international break.
Images via Getty Images/One Football
These ratings are very odd. There is not a chance that anyone who saw this game will not agree that Joan Garcia was Barcelona’s best player by some distance.
Pedri was Barcelona’s best outfield player while it is laughable to award Yamal 8.5 for that performance.
Eric gave the ball away on countless occasions but still scored higher than Christensen, unbelievable. He was a 5 at best
Torres, Balde, Kounde and Raphinha did not deserve anything higher than 6 in a very average display.
Siempre is raro y llamativo cuando un equipo mediocre pierde puntos anotando un penalty regalado y al mismo tiempo le anulan un gol legitimo al equipo contrario.Rayo no gano por corrupsion!