Barcelona was unable to break down Andoni Iraola’s side in their first domestic game of the season, drawing 0-0 on Saturday
The new era at Barcelona didn’t get off to the start Xavi would have wanted. His players were unable to break down a resolute Rayo Vallecano who defended brilliantly throughout the 90 minutes. Sergio Busquets and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came closest to a breakthrough, but the former then didn’t finish the match as he was sent off in stoppage time.
Given all Barcelona has been through in recent years, this was far from a disaster, however it was still somewhat deflating given the hype around the squad after the summer additions of Raphinha and Lewandowski, among others. It was clear that the new signings are not quite used to playing together as a unit, something they will hope to rectify in the coming weeks and months.
Lewandowski was the man of the moment at Camp Nou but his La Liga debut was ultimately underwhelming. During the first half, he put the ball in the back of the net but was a couple of yards offside. There were, however, a few signs that it won’t take him long to adapt to Spanish football, as his movement was positive.
Including the final two games of last season, Barcelona has failed to score in three consecutive La Liga matches for the first time in 19 years.
