August 14, (THEWILL) – Barcelona’s 2022/2023 La Liga campaign got off to a sluggish start at Camp Nou against Rayo Vallecano, which finished in a goalless draw.
After finally signing up their new hires on Friday, Robert Lewandowski, Andreas Christensen, and Raphinha were given their first starts, but they were unable to make a difference in a lacklustre performance that ended with Sergio Busquets being dismissed late in the game.
While Marc Andre ter Stegen needed to be on guard to avert a third straight loss to the Madrid-based team, at the other end, Stole Dimitrievski was called upon multiple times but was never truly tested.
Lewandowski, who had his first goal disallowed and then missed another late attempt just wide, represented Barcelona’s best chance as the hosts struggled to capitalise despite controlling the majority of the possession.
Barcelona therefore tied a league record by failing to score in three straight games that dates back to 2003. It is far too early to predict how the expensively gathered Xavi Hernandez’s team will perform throughout the season, but given the tenacity Rayo displayed, it is time for Barca to begin to show results.
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