Five key stats from Rayo Vallecano 1-0 Barcelona

After a disappointing loss in El Clasico over the weekend, Barcelona’s nightmare run in the 2021/22 season continued to worsen, falling to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Rayo Vallecano, who held on to a solitary strike from Radamel Falcao to grab all three points.

The Blaugrana seemed toothless all over the pitch, failing to show any semblance of clinicality in attack and ball-watching in defence. The loss to Real Madrid set a rather unholy precedent, as the Catalans lost to their eternal rivals for the fourth time in a row for the first time since the mid-20th century.

The cascade of records that nobody would want to break continued under Ronald Koeman, as tonight’s loss meant Barça have not won any of their first five away games of the season for the first time in 35 years.

To add insult to injury, they also failed to get on the scoresheet even once in four consecutive away games, the worst return (or lack thereof) in 25 years.

Barcelona have failed to score a single goal in 4 consecutive away games for the first time in 25 years.

Barcelona have also failed to register a single win in their first 5 away games for the first time in 35 years.

Record breaker. pic.twitter.com/soTWLb6nWs

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 27, 2021

Ronald Koeman’s men have evidently struggled a lot away from home. The two draws and two losses mark a dreadful return. If the table was based solely on away games, they would be 18th.

Barcelona are winless in their last four away trips in LaLiga (D2 L2). They have also failed to score in the last three of them.

— @OptaJose

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 27, 2021

In addition, the loss also meant that their stellar record against Rayo Vallecano was snapped, as Los Franjirrojos picked up their first win against Barcelona since the 2001/02 season. Nearly two decades ago.

Barcelona lost to Rayo Vallecano for the first time in 19 years. Their last win against the Catalans came in the 2001/02 season when they won 2-1.

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 27, 2021

12 of the last 14 encounters between the two sides had seen Barcelona score three or more goals. But today was as accurate a picture of their slump as could be.

Barcelona had scored 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 14 encounters vs Rayo.

None today, though.

— @Barca19stats pic.twitter.com/u841JXjDjr

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 27, 2021

A woeful night in front of goal was married further by Memphis Depay’s penalty miss in the 72nd minute, which could have levelled the game. The former Lyon talisman hadn’t missed a spot-kick since February 2019.

Memphis Depay has missed his first penalty in league competitions since February 2019 against Monaco. The Dutchman had converted all 11 he had taken since then. (nine with Lyon and two with Barcelona).

— @OptaJose

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 27, 2021