Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Barcelona travelled to Estadio de Vallecas midweek to take on Rayo Vallecano, a side they had failed to beat in their last three appearances. The Catalans had lost only twice all season up until that point but Wednesday harboured with it their third defeat of La Liga.

The Catalans were second-best for long parts of the game, bettered by Andoni Iraola’s side man for man. Barcelona just could not keep up with the hosts’ pressure and intensity on the night and went two goals down by the 53rd minute.

Robert Lewandowski pulled a goal back for Xavi Hernandez’s side late on but could not spark the equaliser. Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona.

Marc Andre ter Stegen: 5

The German shot-stopper was beaten twice from the same side on the night and had a rare night in La Liga where he did not enjoy a clean sheet.

Jules Kounde: 4

The Frenchman struggled to keep up with Rayo’s pacey left flank. As it stands, both goals came down his wing on the night as Fran Garcia and Alvaro Garcia overpowered him. Looked completely lost in the later part of the second half and almost conceded a third.

Ronald Araujo: 5

No clean sheet, no party for Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan undoubtedly had his moments of bravery in the first half but was absolutely helpless in all of Rayo’s finishes.

Marcos Alonso: 5

Alonso started as the centre-back on the night and did a half-decent job at stopping Iraola’s men. Recorded three clearances and as many duels won before he was subbed off for Jordi Alba at the hour mark.

Alejandro Balde: 5.5

The left-back did not have a significantly better game in defence when compared to Barcelona’s right-back defensively. Balde was tormented by Rayo’s Isi Palazon and Sergio Camello on the night and spent much of his spell playing catch. Was better dribbling in the final third.

Pedri: 3

Magical in his own capacity but uncomfortable. Rustiness was written all over Pedri’s performance against Rayo Vallecano as he looked uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and leggy with his distribution. Yet, it was the youngster who found Lewandowski for the disallowed winner.

Frenkie de Jong: 6.5

The Dutchman was given the role of replacing Sergio Busquets who was missing through suspension. De Jong was perhaps the most fluid and on-song Barcelona player in the midweek defeat with an immaculate pass completion of over 90%.

Was a constant member of the pressure when off the ball and vital in the build-up. Came off for the final ten minutes.

Gavi: 5

The Golden Boy was not as golden at Estadio de Vallecas as he was constantly under pressure by the Rayo defence. Lost the ball in dangerous positions often and met his match physically in the Rayo midfield. Came off after 80 minutes.

Ferran Torres: 2

The goalscorer against Atletico Madrid started as a left-winger on paper but played in the central half-spaces on the field. Was barely involved in the buildup and managed just eight passes and no shots in close to an hour.

Robert Lewandowski: 5

Barcelona’s best chances of the night all fell at the feet of the Polish striker. Should have had two before half-tike but pulled the first chance wide before having the second ruled out for offside.

Looked much more like his former self with the goal in the 82nd minute as he volleyed it hard past Stole Dimitrievski.

Raphinha: 6

The Brazilian was one of the few Blaugrana players trying to make things happen. However, it just did not click for him for long parts as his crosses and dribbles came to nothing. Created one big chance and went down with pride.

Substitutes

Jordi Alba: 4.5

Took over at left-back after coming on in the second half as Balde moved to the right. Was solid but not extravagant.

Ansu Fati: 3

Not a very bright cameo for young Fati who played over 30 minutes on the night. Did manage to complete one key pass and one dribble.

Franck Kessie: 5

The Ivory Coast international came on to replace Pedri and looked far better than the recent injury returnee. Created the opening for Lewy’s goal with a fortunate rebound.

Eric Garcia: 4.5

Reliable in his short spell as the pivot in place of Frenkie de Jong. Calm in possession but not special in creativity.

Pablo Torre: N/A

Played too less to warrant a rating.