Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Barcelona: score, goals, highlights, LaLiga 2023-24

FT: Rayo 1-1 Barça

Despite a better second half performance, FC Barcelona struggled to break down a well drilled Rayo Vallecano side and in his time as manager of the Catalan club, Xavi Hernandez has yet to record a win over the men from Vallecas.

The first half belonged to Rayo as they battled for every ball in the centre of the park and despite creating little in clear cut chances, were the brighter team against a lethargic Barcelona.

The goal came in the 39th minute as the ball set up nicely for Unai Lopez at the edge of the area and the Basque player drove a missile that sneaked in leaving Iñaki Peña with no chance.

Barcelona improved in the second half and eventually started to dominate with Gundogan and Joao Felix creating danger for a Rayo side who visibly tired as the game wore on.

The equalizer came as the clock ticked down with Florian Lejeune inadvertently stabbing the ball into his own net as Robert Lewandowski waited to pounce.

A draw a fair result but, once again a sub par performance from Xavi's Barcelona.

FT in Vallecas and it ends in a 1-1 draw.

We've now played eight additional minutes and we seem destined for a draw.

The ref awards a red card to a Barcelona backroom staff member.

De Jong carded as he collides with Balliu.

Joao Felix carded for complaining

The ball falls to Pathe Cisse and the Senegal man fails to secure the required accuracy with the strike.

Seven minutes of time to be added.

Falcao yellow carded as he clips Cancelo.

Final two minutes of action at Vallecas. 

3-4 minutes of added time I'd say with stoppages few and far between during the game.

Rayo need to switch their mindset if they are to try and bag a second. It's been a defensive approach from Francisco's men in the second 45'.

Final five minutes of action in Vallecas.

Barcelona with all the initiative now and have 'previous' at snatching things at the death.

Actually, it was Lejune who knocks the ball into his own net.

Next up for Rayo: (A) to Athletic Club

Next up for FCB: (H) to Atletico Madrid 

Into the last ten minutes we go and still no change in the scoreboard.

Raphinha strikes the post with his first touch and finally Rayo clear the danger.

Rayo are on the ropes now and hanging on.

Changes for Barcelona

Yamal and Pedri off 

Fermin and Rapinha on

Changes for Rayo

Falcao and Pathe Cisse set to come on

Mumin and Camello leaving the action

Barcelona only beaten once this season (in El Clasico) and a loss today would be a major setback for Xavi ahead of a week that includes Champions League and a game against Atletico Madrid.

We move into the final quarter of an hour and still no way through for the Catalan side.

Unai Lopez drags De Jong back and it's a yellow for the goal scorer and danger for Rayo.

The best chances that have fallen the way of Xavi's side have all come from headers,

Rayo changes

De Frutos and Trejo off

Bebe and Kike Perez on

It's all Barcelona now as they lay siege to the Rayo goal.

Espino is carded as he clips Pedri.

Poor from the German international as the ball fails to get past Camello.

Dangerous free for Barça as Pedi gets clipped.

A long way out... Gundogan over the ball.

Approaching the hour mark and Barça are starting to play with a touch more intensity.

For the first time all game, the few travelling Barcelona fans make themselves heard.

Barcelona go close as Pedri heads over.

The visitors starting to get back into the contest now.

Barcelona changes

Gundogan and Joao Felix on

Romeu and Ferran making way

Romeu carded as he takes out De Frutos who was clear of the central player.

Rayo still swarming around the Barcelona player every time they get the ball in a central area.

Mumin intervenes well as Christensen almost latches onto a decent ball in the Rayo box.

Joao Felix also warming up too and the Portugal striker is set to be an imminent addition. 

Cancelo with a fine strike but just fails to secure the required accuracy.

Off we go, Rayo start the second half.

Gundogan starting to warm up for Barcelona and am sure that it won't be long before we see the former Man City man in action.

Rayo are back on the pitch as the azulgrana side slowly return too to the compact ground in the middle of tower blocks in the south east of the Spanish capital.

Barcelona have really struggled to get out of first gear in the opening half and that will be of a concern for Xavi who will demand more from his side in the second 45 minutes.

Rayo have given little away and to date have won the key battle in the centre of the park.

A wonderstrike from Unai Lopez has the home side ahead.

The whistle sounds and Rayo lead at the interval.

De Frutos looks for Camello but Barcelona manage to clear the danger.

3 minutes of time added on.

Final minute of the half 

Rayo leading in terms of shots on target: 3-2

Decent ball from Lamal but no Barça player able to get a head on the ball.

Rayo ahead in Vallecas

Rayo the better side and the goal is not undeserrved. 

The goal stands

Hold that ... VAR may be consulted for a possible offside.

Goooooooooool.

Unail Lopez fires Rayo ahead with a super strike....a missle from the Basque player.

Isi collides with Martinez and needs medical attention.

Not looking good for the Rayo talisman.

The battle in the centre of the park is excellent. De Jong and Romeu against Trejo and Isi. 

No quarter being given.

The first card of the day is awarded to Barcelona's Pedri.

Half an hour gone and still no breakthrough from either side.

Wow... what a run from Lamal as he weaves past three Rayo players but stabs the ball at the Rayo keeper ... great run, poor finish.

Sustained pressure from Rayo now as Espino shoots but his effort is blocked.

Nether keeper really tested apart from the early Isi effort in the opening minutes.

Rayo sitting a little deeper and Barcelona are starting to grow into the match.

Barcelona are far from comfortable but win a second corner after good work from Lamal.

Corner for the Catalan side. First one of the match.

Poor delivery and the ball drifts out for a throw in.

Barcelona dominating things in terms of possession after 15 minutes.

First shot on target from Barcelona as Pedri works space well and shoots a curling effort straight at Dimitriviski.

A half hearted appeal from Rayo fans for a spot kick but the referee is having none of it.

Oscar Valentin gets the ball on the edge of the box after Barcelona give the ball away cheaply.

The Rayo man shoots tamely at Iñaki Peña and should have done better.

Barcelona break into the Rayo box and Lewandowski just runs out of space and the ball runs wide. 

First real danger from the visitors.

Rayo adopting a high press and denying the Catalan side any time on the ball.

Isi strikes again and Peña drops the ball and at the second time of asking, manages to grab the hi-viz ball.

Barcelona yet to find any consistent rhythm with the home side enjoying the better of the opening minutes.

First effort of the day comes from Isi Palazon but the man from Murcia drives high and wide.

The new hi-viz yellow Puma winter ball being employed today for the first time this season.

Off we go, game 2 of matchday 14 is underway.

All set... Barcelona to start the action.

Oscar Vanetin and De Jong pose with the match officials ahead of the protocol pre-game rituals.

The teams take to the pitch.

Full house and a colorful red and white tifo from the Rayo fans which reads ARDV (Agrupacion Deportivo Rayo Vallecano).

Kick-off just minutes away at the Estadio de Vallecas..

Good to have De Jong back

The Dutch midfield maestro returns to the Barcelona team since sustaining injury in the game against Celta Vigo at the end of September.

He also takes the captains armband.

Rayo looking to improve home form

Last season, under Iraola, Vallecas was a mini fortress, something that new manager Francisco has been unable to replicate with just one home win at home all season.

Based solely on away form, Rayo would sit third in the LaLiga table !

Estadio de Vallecas: sold out

The Vallecas club have confirmed that all match tickets for the visit of FC Barcelona are sold out.

Rayo v Barça in Panini stickers

3 of the four player selected in the stickers are in the starting line-up with Raul de Tomas starting on the Rayo bench.

Rayo-Barça - matchday weather

It's a mild November day in the Spanish capital with not a cloud in the sky and ideal conditions for both players and fans alike at the stadium.

16C-63F expected at kick-off

Rayo defender Florian Lejune is the only player on the pitch today who will need to watch his step with the 32-year-old one card away from suspension.

Rayo-FCB: ticket prices

Despite the home side elevating the average ticket price for the visit of the Catalan side, today's match should be close to a sell-out. 

The club have approximately 12,000 season ticket holders in a 15,000 capacity stadium.

Rayo-Barça: last time in Vallecas

Rayo ran out 2-1 winners with both Garcias (Fran and Alvaro) bagging the two strikes for the home side. Alvaro is today suspended with Fran back at parent club Real Madrid.

Rayo-FCB: match officials

Munuera Montero: Referee

Jaime Latre: VAR

Iñigo Prieto: Assistant referee

Martínez Moreno: Assistant referee

Sánchez Villalobos: Fourth official

Jaen native, José Luis Munuera Montero has officiated in La Liga since 2016. He has been a FIFA referee since 2019, and is ranked as a UEFA second category referee.

No Alvaro for Rayo

Rayo will miss Alvaro Garcia today with the midfielder carrying out a suspension from an accumulation of yellow cards.

Ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto and Gavi are the long term injury concerns for Barcelona.

Rayo vs Barça: recent meetings

Three wins from the past five games for Rayo against Barcelona will have Xavi on red alert as his side travel to Vallecas. 

Expect one goal to be the difference between both teams today.

Xavi's side may be third in LaLiga but most fans would agree that they have really failed to impress this season, a task now made that bit more complicated due to the ACL tear that will rule Gavi out for at least 9 months. 

Rayo come into the game on a decent run of form with the only blip in recent games coming at home to Girona, a game marked by the emotional return of Michel, current coach of the Catalan side and Vallecas native.

The Catalan giants are currently sitting third in the standings with 30 points, four points behind surprising leaders Girona. Rayo, meanwhile, are in 10th spot but recently went on an eight-game unbeaten run in LaLiga.

Rayo name starting line up

Isi Palazon is the man to watch for Rayo and has been on the fringe for some time of making the Spanish national squad. Striking responsibilities today fall to Camello with Raul de Tomas on the bench.

FCB starting XI

Xavi has named his side for the clash against Rayo with Iñaki Peña manning the sticks in the absence of Ter Stegen as De Jong returns to the team after a long term absence since sustaining injury against Celta at the end of September,

Rayo-Barcelona: start time

The match at the Estadio de Vallecas in Madrid, will get underway at 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT.

Hello and welcome to our live LaLiga EA Sports coverage as Barcelona travel to Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano in the early Saturday kick-off.