Barcelona retain 7-point lead with 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano
It was clear that Ernesto Valverde was preparing for the second leg of the Champions League last 16 against Lyon, with his starting lineup against Rayo Vallecano. But Barcelona still cruised to a 3-1 victory with a dominant display.
Barça put Rayo Vallecano under a lot of pressure early on. But they resisted with their 5-man defence. Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho didn’t really test Stole Dimitrievski in the Rayo goal, but they scored the opener against the run of play.
On-loan Real Madrid centre-forward Raúl de Tomás was released down the left off a counter-attack. The 24-year old Spanish controlled the ball well, and was afforded too much space. De Tomás provided a clinical finish into the bottom right corner.
Gerard Piqué missed an easy opportunity, but he made up for it by scoring the equaliser. Leo Messi curled in a set-piece after a foul by Rayo captain Jordi Amat. Piqué made a great run and was unmarked, and scored a free header.
Barça took the lead in the 51st minute, with a penalty netted by Leo Messi. Nélson Semedo was brought down in the box, and Messi sent Dimitrievski the wrong way and scored his 26th goal of the season. After that, he had a chance on his right foot but it was easily saved.
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After that, Rayo tried to break out of their shell but the advances made by Bebé and De Tomás were easily rebuffed by the likes of Samuel Umtiti. Instead, Barça went up the other end and sealed the game with an elegant goal.
Luis Suárez exchanged a one-two with Ousmane Dembélé, before finding Ivan Rakitić in space. The 30-year old Croatian playmaker played it back to ‘El Pistolero’, who had a simple tap-in finish. Both Barça substitutes were involved in the goal.
Ernesto Valverde’s men saw out the rest of the match with ease, as 19th placed Rayo Vallecano never were too much of a threat. Arturo Vidal was amazing, breaking up counter-attacks with brilliant ease and finding some very good long balls.
Going by his recent form, Philippe Coutinho did a relatively good job, and did not give the ball away on too many occasions. He provided stability in attack, as Sergio Busquets did in defence. Leo Messi lacked a bit of cutting edge, and Luis Suárez produced an outstanding performance.
Going into an important tie at home against Lyon, Barça have built up good momentum with a commanding display.