SPAIN: Former champions Barcelona were off to a frustrating start to their La Liga 2022-23 campaign as the side remained unable taste the triumph as Rayo Vallecano held their nerves to force a draw.
In an enthralling contest, it seemed one-way traffic for Barca as the star-studded side had a series of chances and was testing Rayo’s defences in the early stages of the game.
The former champions seemed to have found success in the 12th minute as Robert Lewandowski netted the ball following an assist from Ousmane Dembele, which was, however, given a red flag by the linesman.
Xavi’s side, however, continued to test the defence of Rayo but found it tough to move the scoreboard into their favour despite having a plethora of chances but denied by the latter’s rearguard.
The second half followed the same pattern as Barcelona again failed to avail plenty of chances and open the scoring.
The frustration mounted for Xavi’s side in the 84th minute as the side was again denied a goal by the linesman as Franck Kessie smashed the ball into the post on the rebound. Things got even more frustrating for the side in the extra time as their captain Sergios Busquets walked off the field after being given a red card.
Busquets’ dismissal left Barcelona wide open in the midfield, and Rayo appeared to have taken advantage of the situation in the fifth minute of extra time when Marc-Andre Ter Stegen netted a ball that was later ruled offside, thus, denying a late breakthrough.
Earlier in the day, Villareal dominated Valladolid 3-0 at the back of Nikolas Jackson and Alex Baena.
Following a scoreless first half, Jackson started the scoring for Villareal in the early minutes of the second, which was subsequently expanded to 2-0 and eventually 3-0, thanks to back-to-back strikes from Maena in the 81st and 90th minutes, respectively.
In another match, Martinez’s side made an astounding comeback from 0-2 down to 2-2 as Joselu struck in the extra time to bolster Espanyol to secure a draw against Celta Vigo.
Iago Aspas scored in the final minutes of the first half to give Celta Vigo the lead, and Goncalo Paciencia scored in the 63rd minute to give the side a solid 2-0 lead.
Edu Expositio, however, kept Espanyol’s hopes alive as he responded within 10 minutes to cut Vigo’s lead to 2-1 before Joselu struck in the extra time to prevent his side from an opening defeat.
The action-filled tournament is being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and will be simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.
Barcelona kick off La Liga season with a goalless draw
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