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Barcelona fail to keep pace with Girona and Real Madrid as they were held to a draw by gutsy Rayo Vallecano.
Barcelona put on an uninspiring performance once again and needed to come from behind to grab a point at Rayo Vallecano.
How it happened
The Blaugrana failed to close the gap on league leaders Girona, and rivals Real Madrid, as they continue to complicate their title defence with another draw, their fourth of the season.
Unai Lopez fired a stunner to give his team the lead in the first-half, but a Florian Lejuene own goal later in the game meant Rayo settled for a mere point.
The Blaugrana were slow out of the gate, and Rayo dominated the opening exchanges, pressing high and creating chances, but could not find the opener.
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The visitors soon grew into the encounter and started to apply themselves. It was Barcelona’s turn to have the bulk of the ball, but they looked clueless in the final third.
Rayo looked threatening on almost every offensive transition and made it count in the 39th minute thanks to a brilliant strike from Lopez after a poor defensive clearance from the Barcelona backline.
Xavi’s team had a much better second half, and dominated proceedings, but they continued to be lukewarm in the final third. T
They intensified their efforts in the closing period of the game, however, and their insistence forced an equaliser from an own-goal.
Barcelona thought they should get a chance to win the game from the penalty spot after Raphinha was visibly kicked in the shin while attempting to kick the ball. The referee waved play-on, however, and the VAR upheld the on-field decision.
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