FC Barcelona had a shaky start to the match, but managed to bounce back as they scored five against Rayo with goals from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Three goals in nine minutes
Despite Barca heading into the night as heavy favorites, it was Rayo who struck first. Against the run of play, Sergio Camello scored his first of the night. Alvaro Garcia sprinted down the left wing and pulled it back for Camello to hit a shot near post past Joan Garcia.
There was an instant response from Barcelona, who scored just seven minutes later. Raphinha, who has played as a striker to start the season, scored his fourth of the season. The Brazilian forward’s fake shot pushed him past Ciss, leaving him one-on-one with the Rayo keeper before slotting the ball into the bottom right corner. It was a simple pass from Xavi Espart to start the play, but the young full-back got his second assist of the season.
Two minutes after Barca’s first goal of the night, Yamal added to the action. An initial handball shout from the Barca players led to chaos in the box, with the ball landing in the path of Bernal. He played a short pass to Yamal, who scored a beautiful goal into the top right corner to open his scoring for the season.
A second half full of action
Just six minutes into the second half, Barcelona once again added to their lead. Anthony Gordon was played down the left wing before playing a ball into the middle, aiming for Raphinha. Florian Lejeune was first to it but unfortunately hit the ball into his own net.
Right when the game seemed to be fully shifting in Barca’s favor, Rayo Vallecano responded. Sergio Camello scored his second of the night via a great corner from Unai Lopez. Camello rose above the surrounding defenders to slot home another goal past Joan Garcia.
With momentum starting to push in Rayo’s favor, Raphinha stepped up to score his second of the night. Gordon was once again involved, with the English winger cutting in and flicking the ball back into the path of Raphinha, who scored his fifth goal of the season.
Two minutes into stoppage time, Lamine Yamal put the nail in the coffin and scored his second of the night. Karim Adeyemi pushed the ball back from the left to the edge of the box, and Yamal curled a beauty into the bottom left corner to seal the victory.
Next up for Barcelona
Barcelona got three points and continues their perfect start to the La Liga campaign. Next for Barca is a trip to the Estadio Mestalla to face Valencia on Sunday, September 6.
