Five key stats from Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Barcelona | La Liga

The return from the two-week international break did not go all too well for FC Barcelona as they could only secure a point from their away game against Rayo Vallecano.

Barça went behind on the day half an hour into the game with backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena getting beaten by a fierce strike from Unai Lopez.

In the end, with less than ten minutes of normal time left, an own-goal from Florian Lejeune meant the game ended in a 1-1 draw, with the Catalans coming away with a point.

Rayo’s goal in the first half meant that of the 14 goals that Barcelona have let in this season in La Liga, nine have come in the first half, i.e., 64% – the second-highest percentage in the league, only behind Real Madrid (67%).

It has become a habit of sorts for Barcelona to salvage games through late goals this season, as was the case again today.

As such, the Catalans have now won 15 points in La Liga this season from goals scored in the last 15 minutes of a game, the highest tally this term among Europe’s top five leagues.

Even though Barça were able to salvage a point, the 1-1 result meant that manager Xavi Hernandez is still without a victory in his four games against Rayo Vallecano (D2 L2).

It also meant that Barcelona are now without a win in their previous five matches against Rayo in La Liga, since beating them in March 2019 (D2 L3).

Frenkie de Jong made his long-awaited return from injury today for Barcelona and walked away with the Man of the Match award, even though he was not entirely happy with his own performance.

But Barça extended their unbeaten run to eight games this season with De Jong in the side, with the Catalans having won six and drawn two with the Dutchman featuring.