Barcelona make it three from three after 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano

Sports

BARCELONA, Spain (NPA) — FC Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the La Liga season with an entertaining 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Monday night at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal scored twice each, while an own goal from Florian Lejeune completed the scoring as Hansi Flick’s side recorded their third consecutive league victory.

Barcelona started brightly but were stunned when Rayo took the lead through Sergio Camello, who arrived ahead of Andreas Christensen to convert Álvaro García’s cut-back and score the first league goal conceded by Barça this season.

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The home side responded immediately.

In the 19th minute, Raphinha restored parity after cutting inside Pathé Ciss and drilling a low shot across goalkeeper Cárdenas into the net.

Barely two minutes later, Barcelona were ahead. Lamine Yamal collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner.

The goal was also a significant personal milestone for the youngster, marking his 50th goal for Barcelona’s first team and making him the youngest player in the club’s history to reach the landmark.

Barcelona continued to dominate, with Pedri controlling proceedings in midfield while Anthony Gordon repeatedly troubled the Rayo defence.

The visitors survived another scare before the break when Jules Kounde’s effort was ruled out after the flag went up.

Barcelona eventually extended their lead six minutes after the restart. Gordon, who was becoming increasingly influential, delivered a dangerous low cross which Lejeune turned into his own net.

However, Rayo refused to surrender.

Camello scored his second goal of the night eight minutes later, rising at the near post to head home from a corner and reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Barcelona responded once again, with Raphinha restoring the two-goal advantage after Gordon produced an excellent back-heel to set up the Brazilian.

Lamine then put the result beyond doubt in the 90th minute, calmly guiding his second goal of the night inside the post to complete Barcelona’s 5-2 victory.

The match also marked a memorable occasion for Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim, who made his competitive debut for Barcelona after impressing during the preseason.

Barcelona will now turn their attention to Sunday’s La Liga trip to Valencia as Flick’s side look to extend their winning start to the campaign.