Three matchdays into the new La Liga season, Barcelona are the only team to sit strong on a complete package of nine points. For a team in jeopardy in terms of finances and injuries, that is remarkable.
Hansi Flick’s side completed their third win of the season at Estadio de Vallecas last night, putting an end to a three-game winless streak at the venue and asserting their authority in the early phase of the title race.
What made the win all the more impressive, however, was the fact that the Blaugrana were forced to come back from a goal down on the night.
Rayo Vallecano opened the scoring early through Unai López but a second-half comeback via Pedri and Dani Olmo helped the Catalans secure three points.
Barça Universal brings you three takeaways for Hansi Flick from the team’s latest performance.
Dani Olmo’s poetic debut
Barcelona’s win over Rayo Vallecano last night was a game of two halves. The opening 45 minutes may not have seen the best version of Hansi Flick’s side, but matters changed after the break.
The German manager’s decision to take off Ferran Torres as early as the 45th minute and replace him with the debutant Dani Olmo reaped rewards as the new signing took Vallecas by storm.
Olmo came onto the field and immediately occupied a central role behind Robert Lewandowski, pushing Raphinha slightly to the left.
Prominently featuring in the Rayo Vallecano box, the former La Masia star helped amp up Barcelona’s presence in the final third and brought chances in waves.
Olmo, Pedri, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Lewandowski soon overloaded the hosts’ defence, pulling away defenders and creating gaps to exploit. Both goals, in fact, came from a similar arrangement.
In 45 minutes, the new signing provided two key passes, completed 100% of his crosses, hit the woodwork with a stunning shot from distance and completed both the dribbles he attempted.
He capped off his excellent debut with a goal…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/rayo-vallecano-1-2-barcelona-olmos-perfect-debut-pedri-magic-and-a-heartbreaking-injury/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-08-28 06:34:29
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