La Liga: Barcelona frustrated by Rayo in season opener
Barcelona were held 0-0 by Rayo Vallecano in their opening game of the La Liga season and had captain Sergio Busquets sent off late on.
The Catalans had 21 shots on goal and the majority of possession at the Camp Nou but were unable to break the deadlock.
Barca boss Xavi started close-season signings including defender Andreas Christensen, winger Raphinha and striker Robert Lewandowski, who were only able to feature after being registered with the league late on Friday.
The hosts dominated the opening half an hour as Lewandowski was denied a goal on his competitive debut.
The Poland forward was judged to be offside from an Ousmane Dembele pass before his delicate chipped finish was cancelled out.
Despite their first half control Marc ter Stegen ensured the sides stayed level at the break with a fine save to stop Rayo’s Alvaro Garcia during injury time.
Barca continued their onslaught on the Rayo defence but were unable to beat goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, who was involved in two heavy collisions on his line within the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Xavi’s side ended the game with 10 men as club skipper Busquets was red-carded for an elbow on Falcao in the fourth of eight injury time minutes.
Less than 60 seconds later, Falcao thought he had scored the winner, and claimed Rayo’s third straight win over the Catalans, but was found to be offside and the visitors held on for the point.
Earlier, 21-year-old winger Alex Baena scored twice on just his eighth La Liga appearance as Villarreal beat Real Valladolid 3-0.
Forward Joselu claimed a point for Espanyol at Celta Viga with a 97th minute winner with a 2-2 draw after the Galicians’ veteran striker Iago Aspas scored his side’s opening goal of a season for a third straight campaign.
On Friday, Osasuna stunned Champions League qualifiers Sevilla 2-1 in the opening fixture of the campaign.
