
Player Ratings: Rayo 1-1 Barcelona: La Blaugrana blocked by rampant Rayo
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