BARCELONA — Xavi’s new signings couldn’t make the difference against Rayo Vallecano in their season opener at Camp Nou, which ended 0-0. Barcelona dominated the game in possession and chances created, but Rayo held on to grind out a draw.
Barcelona’s new era off to slow start
Barcelona’s bright new future began with a stuttering goalless draw at home to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. It was, at least, better than the two 1-0 defeats they suffered against the same opposition last season.
It was supposed to be different this time. Since losing to Rayo in April, Barca have spent over €150 million on new players. Three of their five new signings started here after most of them were registered with LaLiga just 24 hours before kick-off. Jules Kounde, though, watched from the stands. Barca do not have enough salary space to register the defender yet.
Robert Lewandowski has been registered and he led the line, flanked in attack by fellow new signing Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele, but none of them could find a way past Stole Dimitrievski in the visitor’s goal. When Lewandowski did beat him early in the first half, the flag went up.
Substitute Franck Kessie also had a goal ruled out for offside, while Sergio Busquets and Dembele were both denied by Dimitrievski. When chances fell Raphinha’s way, he missed the target.
The pre-game optimism of the 81,000 fans at Camp Nou turned to whistles in the second half as Dimitrievski time wasted at every opportunity. Barca’s players also grew frustrated. Busquets was shown a late red card for a second booking.
There was almost a sting in the tail for the hosts, too, with Rayo carving their own chances. Luckily for Barca, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was in good form to ensure they didn’t suffer a third straight defeat to Andoni Iraola’s team.
Barca’s attack may need some time
Perhaps it was unrealistic to expect Barca’s new-look attack to click straight away. Xavi has incredible depth available to him but throughout preseason he has shown a preference for Lewandowski, Raphinha and Dembele. Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Memphis Depay are waiting in the wings. They may not all stay beyond the transfer window.
Raphinha shone in preseason but wasted his best chances against Rayo. Dembele blew hot and cold. Lewandowski tried to drive the team on, but nothing quite fell for him. There was no instant connection between the three. Substitute Ansu provided just as much as a spark when he came on, while Aubameyang saw a late chance cleared off the line.
It took until January of their first season together for Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez to really take off. Let’s see how quickly Xavi can knock this frontline into shape.
