Dani Olmo celebrated his delayed Barcelona debut with a purpose to seal a 2-1 comeback victory at Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Tuesday. The Spain playmaker’s 82nd-minute strike helped Barcelona declare their third win from three matches underneath new coach Hansi Flick initially of the season. Barca have been unable to register Olmo with La Liga after signing him from RB Leipzig till earlier within the day and he made an instantaneous influence after being introduced on at Rayo’s Vallecas stadium.
Unai Lopez despatched Rayo forward towards a flat Barca within the first half however Olmo got here on on the break and energised the Catalans, who levelled by way of Pedri earlier than the brand new arrival struck the winner.
“(I’ve been ready to play) since I arrived, trying ahead to the primary sport, the debut, and what higher approach (to mark it),” Olmo advised DAZN.
“I used to be actually trying ahead to it, I felt bodily able to play, and it lastly occurred at present.
“I’m very joyful to have made my debut and helped the group.”
In the ultimate levels 17-year-old defensive midfielder Marc Bernal was taken off after showing to twist his knee and Flick was frightened in regards to the teenager, who has impressed initially of the season.
“It’s a tragic victory as a result of Marc Bernal is injured and it seems to be not so good,” stated the German coach.
“We have to attend till tomorrow to attend and see how heavy it’s.
“We win, it is OK however while you see the dressing room no one is joyful.”
Rayo Vallecano, celebrating their centenary yr, signed former Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez earlier within the week and he watched on from the presidential field because the capital membership began strongly.
The hosts attacked with intent and acquired their reward when Jorge De Frutos drove ahead on the precise and crossed for Lopez, who completed with a low effort on the close to submit.
Rayo minimised Barcelona’s menace within the first half aside from the odd event 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 ready for Barcelona to get their funds with the intention to full his registration.
With Olmo coming into the fray he took up a central attacking midfield place, with Brazil winger Raphinha restored to the left flank.
The former Barca academy participant rapidly started to make his mark on proceedings and the Catalans began to generate possibilities.
Polish veteran Robert Lewandowski ought to have levelled however couldn’t get a stable contact near purpose on Raphinha’s harmful cross.
Raphinha whistled a free-kick narrowly huge and Olmo smashed a 30-yard drive towards the crossbar.
Barca made the strain rely and Pedri levelled on the hour mark after exchanging passes with Raphinha and sweeping house.
‘A superb purpose’
Barca thought that they had a second 10 minutes later, when Yamal’s shot was saved and Lewandowski labored room to tuck the rebound house.
However the purpose was controversially disallowed after a VAR referral when the referee deemed Jules Kounde responsible of a foul, when he made gentle contact with Pep Chavarria’s foot within the build-up.
The guests didn’t lick their wounds for too lengthy, sustaining the strain, and Olmo completed with aplomb after Yamal set him up.
“I’m all the time a participant who seems to be to attain, Lamine discovered me effectively and I completed effectively, a great purpose, I’m very joyful,” added Olmo.
Barcelona performed with an vitality within the second half which has usually been lacking late in video games lately, with the group showing notably fitter underneath Flick.
The victory ensures Barca will prime the desk after the third spherical of matches, regardless of numerous harm points affecting necessary gamers together with Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo.
Bernal has began all three of Barcelona’s video games this season and the membership will hope he doesn’t be part of the record of long-term absentees.
Champions Real Madrid go to Las Palmas on Thursday whereas Atletico Madrid host Espanyol on Wednesday, amongst different fixtures.
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