MADRID: Dani Olmo celebrated his delayed Barcelona debut with a goal to seal a 2-1 comeback victory at Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Tuesday.
The Spain playmaker’s 82nd-minute strike helped Barcelona claim their third win from three matches under new coach Hansi Flick at the start of the season.
Barca were unable to register Olmo with La Liga after signing him from RB Leipzig until earlier in the day and he made an instant impact after being brought on at Rayo’s Vallecas stadium.
Unai Lopez sent Rayo ahead against a flat Barca in the first half but Olmo came on at the break and energised the Catalans, who levelled through Pedri before the new arrival struck the winner.
Rayo Vallecano, celebrating their centenary year, signed former Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez earlier in the week and he watched on from the presidential box as the capital club started strongly.
The hosts attacked with intent and got their reward when Jorge De Frutos drove forward on the right and crossed for Lopez, who finished with a low effort at the near post.
Rayo minimized Barcelona’s threat in the first half except for the odd occasion teenage star Lamine Yamal managed to work his magic.
Flick hooked Ferran Torres at half-time and threw on Olmo for his debut, after he had missed their first two league matches waiting for Barcelona to get their finances in order to complete his registration.
With Olmo entering the fray he took up a central attacking midfield position, with Brazil winger Raphinha restored to the left flank.
The former Barca academy player quickly began to make his mark on proceedings and the Catalans started to generate chances.
Polish veteran Robert Lewandowski should have levelled but could not get a solid touch close to goal on Raphinha’s dangerous cross.
Raphinha whistled a free-kick narrowly wide and Olmo smashed a 30-yard drive against the crossbar.
Barca made the pressure count and Pedri levelled on the hour mark after exchanging passes with Raphinha and sweeping home.
Barca thought they had a second 10 minutes later, when Yamal’s shot was saved and Lewandowski worked room to tuck the rebound home.
However the goal was controversially disallowed after a VAR referral when the referee deemed Jules Kounde guilty of a foul, when he made light contact with Pep Chavarria’s foot in the build-up.
The visitors did not lick their wounds for too long, maintaining the pressure, and Olmo finished with aplomb after Yamal set him up.
Barcelona played with an energy in the second half which has often been missing late in games in recent years, with the team appearing notably fitter under Flick.
The victory guarantees Barca will top the table after the third round of matches, despite various injury issues affecting important players including Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo.
Champions Real Madrid visit Las Palmas on Thursday while Atletico Madrid host Espanyol on Wednesday, among other fixtures.
