Dani Olmo made an unforgettable debut for FC Barcelona on Tuesday, clinching a vital 2-1 comeback win over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. The Spanish playmaker’s late strike in the 82nd minute helped secure Barcelona’s third consecutive victory under new coach Hansi Flick, marking a perfect start to the season.
Barcelona faced initial struggles in the match at Rayo’s Vallecas Stadium. Unai Lopez gave Rayo Vallecano the lead in the first half, capitalizing on a sluggish performance by the Catalan giants. The hosts, celebrating their centenary year, attacked with determination and were rewarded when Jorge De Frutos’ right-wing cross found Lopez, who finished sharply at the near post.
Barcelona, unable to register Olmo with La Liga until earlier in the day due to financial constraints, lacked their usual spark. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal provided the few moments of magic in a lackluster first-half performance, but the team struggled to create meaningful opportunities.
Hansi Flick, aware of the need for change, introduced Olmo at half-time, replacing Ferran Torres. The former RB Leipzig star quickly made his presence felt, assuming a central attacking midfield position with Brazil winger Raphinha shifting to the left flank. Olmo’s dynamic movement and playmaking ability immediately reinvigorated Barcelona, who began to dominate proceedings.
Robert Lewandowski had a chance to equalize but failed to connect properly with Raphinha’s dangerous cross. Raphinha himself came close with a free-kick that whistled narrowly wide. Olmo, full of confidence, almost found the net with a powerful 30-yard effort that rattled the crossbar.
Barcelona’s persistence finally paid off in the 60th minute when Pedri combined with Raphinha before calmly sweeping the ball into the net, leveling the score. The Catalans thought they had taken the lead 10 minutes later when Yamal’s shot was saved, and Lewandowski tucked home the rebound. However, the goal was controversially disallowed after a VAR review, which deemed Jules Kounde to have committed a foul in the build-up.
Undeterred, Barcelona continued to apply pressure, and Olmo provided the breakthrough in the 82nd minute. Yamal found Olmo with a perfectly weighted pass, and the new signing finished with composure to secure the win for his team.
“I’ve been looking forward to my debut since I arrived,” Olmo told DAZN after the match. “I felt physically ready to play, and it finally happened today. I am very happy to have made my debut and helped the team.”
Rayo Vallecano, who recently signed former Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez, started the match with energy and purpose but ultimately could not withstand Barcelona’s second-half onslaught. Despite the defeat, Rayo’s spirited performance in the first half showed their potential to compete against the league’s top teams this season.
Barcelona’s improved fitness levels under Flick were evident, as the team maintained a high tempo throughout the second half. This was a welcome change for a side that has often struggled to sustain intensity in the latter stages of games in recent years. The victory ensures Barcelona will remain at the top of the table after the third round of matches, despite ongoing injury concerns involving key players such as Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Ronald Araujo.
Champions Real Madrid will have the opportunity to respond when they visit Las Palmas on Thursday, while Atletico Madrid will host Espanyol on Wednesday in a week packed with exciting La Liga action. However, the spotlight remains firmly on Dani Olmo, whose dream debut promises much for Barcelona’s new era under Hansi Flick.
Kenya's national football team, Harambee Stars, has made significant progress in the latest FIFA rankings, climbing six places. This rise Read more
Manchester City, the dominant force in English football in recent years, faces a moment of reckoning as the Premier League Read more
The world of football is mourning the loss of a legendary figure with the passing of Paolo Rossi, the celebrated Read more
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal has made a strong start to the new season, but the manager has delivered an unwanted update Read more
In a night full of anticipation and excitement, Endrick's debut goal in the UEFA Champions League has captured the football Read more
Kylian Mbappé’s decision to mimic Sergio Ramos' iconic goal celebration recently caught the attention of football fans worldwide, but it Read more