Joan García Secures Draw for Rayo Vallecano Against Barcelona
Madrid, Spain - September 16, 2024 – Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Joan García denied Barcelona a victory with a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. the result halts Barcelona’s momentum in La liga and marks a setback in their pursuit of the league lead.
The match saw Barcelona take the lead through a goal by João Félix in the 39th minute. However, García’s goal in the 82nd minute leveled the score, splitting the points between the two sides. The draw underscores Rayo Vallecano’s resilience and ability to challenge top-tier opponents, while Barcelona will need to regroup before their next fixture.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández made several substitutions during the match, bringing on Gerard Martín for Balde in the 78th minute and Robert Lewandowski for torres, also in the 78th minute. Despite the changes, Barcelona were unable to regain the lead.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Marc-André ter Stegen; João Cancelo, Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Alejandro Balde; İlkay Gündoğan, Pedri, Gavi; João Félix, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal.
Substitutes: Gerard Martín (for Balde), robert Lewandowski (for Torres).
Unused substitutes: Wojciech Szczęsny, Diego Kochen, Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araújo, Jofre Torrents, Marc Casadó, Dro Fernández, Antonio Fernández.
Player of the Match: Lamine Yamal.
Rayo vallecano (4-2-3-1): Augusto Batalla; Andrei Rațiu, Florian Lejeune, Luiz Felipe, Pep Chavarria; Pathe Ciss, Unai López; Isi Palazón, Pedro Díaz, Álvaro García; jorge de Frutos.
Substitutes: Fran Pérez, Oscar Valentín, Sergio Camello, Alfonso Espino, Gerard Gumbau.
Barcelona currently sits third in La Liga with 16 points, while Rayo Vallecano occupies 12th place with 11 points. Both teams will continue their league campaigns next week, with Barcelona facing Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano traveling to Girona.
