Barcelona dropped points in La Liga for the first time this season as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Lamine Yamal scored a 40th minute penalty to give Hansi Flick’s side the advantage going into the break, but Rayo hit back with a goal on 67 minutes from substitute Fran Perez to earn a draw at Estadio de Vallecas.
The hosts, who finished eighth in the Spanish top flight last term, had a goal from Isi Palazon chalked off with just five minutes remaining, while Flick had goalkeeper Joan Garcia to thank after the Barca stopper made a series of fine saves late on to keep the score level.
It was an entertaining contest in Madrid, where just a few miles away the day prior, the Catalan club’s great rivals Real Madrid came from behind to beat Mallorca to maintain their perfect start to the season and move to the top of the table.
The result means Barcelona sit in fourth spot after three games. Marcus Rashford, on a season-long loan from Manchester United, started on the bench and featured for the last half an hour.
But the England international could do little to change the outcome of the match while his hunt for a first goal in Barca colours goes on.
Flick’s side are next in action after the international break when they host Valencia on 13 September, while Real Madrid travel to Real Sociedad.
