Raphinha and Lamine Yamal scored twice each as Barcelona came from behind to beat Rayo Vallecano 5-2 at the Camp Nou on Monday, preserving their perfect start to the LaLiga season and moving above Real Madrid on goal difference.
Barcelona fell behind after 12 minutes when Sergio Camello finished from close range following Alvaro Garcia’s run past Jules Kounde, but the champions responded quickly and took control before half-time.
Raphinha brought Barcelona level in the 19th minute after receiving a pass from Xavi Espart and driving into the penalty area before finding the net. Two minutes later, Yamal curled a left-footed effort into the top corner to complete the turnaround.
The goal marked Yamal’s 50th for Barcelona, another milestone for the 19-year-old, whose influence continued to grow as the hosts stretched Rayo’s defence.
Barcelona thought they had added a third when Kounde followed up after Rayo goalkeeper Daniel Cardenas failed to hold a shot, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Barcelona pull clear after Rayo’s early resistance
The hosts did not have to wait long after the restart to extend their lead. Anthony Gordon delivered a ball into the area that deflected off Rayo defender Florian Lejeune and into his own net in the 51st minute.
Rayo refused to disappear from the contest and Camello struck again eight minutes later, heading in Unai Lopez’s corner to reduce the deficit and give the visitors renewed hope.
That hope lasted until Barcelona produced another decisive attacking move with 20 minutes remaining. Gordon collected a long pass from Kounde and worked his way into the area before finding Raphinha, who finished to score his fifth league goal in three matches.
The visitors had an opportunity to close the gap again in the closing stages, but Randy Nteka’s effort was saved by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
Yamal completed the scoring in the 90th minute after Karim Adeyemi found him outside the penalty area, with the winger sending a low strike beyond Cardenas.
Barcelona move above Real Madrid
The result gave Barcelona nine points from their opening three league matches, with Hansi Flick’s side moving to the top of the table on goal difference ahead of Real Madrid, who also have a perfect nine points.
Rayo remain without a league victory after three matches and sit 18th with one point.
Barcelona’s latest victory was built on another powerful attacking display, with Raphinha and Yamal again providing the cutting edge after the champions overcame an early setback to finish the night five goals to the good.
