Dani Olmo scores on debut as Barcelona clinch comeback win vs Rayo Vallecano

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On Tuesday, August 27, against Rayo Vallecano, Dani Olmo made his Barcelona debut with a crucial late goal that preserved a 2-1 comeback victory and extended the team’s unbeaten start to the La Liga season. Barcelona maintains their lead in the rankings with this triumph, their third straight. Olmo, who played a crucial part in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory and joined Barcelona from RB Leipzig, had to wait to make his debut because of registration problems brought on by LaLiga’s financial constraints. In the second half, he finally got his moment and had an instant effect.

Rayo Vallecano took the lead early in the contest. In the ninth minute, Unai Lopez scored after taking advantage of a fast counterattack that was started by Jorge de Frutos on the right side of the field. Alvaro Garcia and Isi Palazon both missed opportunities to widen their lead as Rayo persisted in applying pressure.

Barcelona had trouble early on but got better after the interval. Olmo, who had been a spectacular player in Spain’s previous Euro success and finished as a joint top scorer and earned a berth in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament, was called on by manager Hansi Flick. Pedri’s strike in the 60th minute gave Barcelona the equalizer. A counterattack started the action; Pedri passed to Raphinha on the left, who then got the ball back.

When Robert Lewandowski scored for Barcelona in the 71st minute, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review because there had been a foul in the build-up.

A dream Debut for Olmo

Olmo’s well-placed goal in the 82nd minute sealed the victory. With an ingenious move involving Lamine Yamal, who supplied the assist, Olmo curled a shot into the far post to give Barcelona the victory.

With nine points from three games, Barcelona is already two points ahead of second-place Villarreal in the La Liga rankings. Rayo Vallecano has four points and is ranked eighth.

Following his debut with the club, Olmo was overjoyed. The Spanish player rose to prominence in the Bundesliga with his inventive play after excelling at Barcelona’s junior squad.

“I’ve been looking forward to my debut for a long time, and it couldn’t have come in a better way,” Olmo stated to DAZN. “It’s been many years since Barcelona won here, and this result is just unparalleled.”

Olmo said he was happy with his performance and said, “I was extremely excited about this match and felt pretty well. It’s finally occurred, and I’m happy to have scored and more happier to have aided the team.