Barcelona scored five goals for the second time in their opening three matches of the new season, overcoming a spirited Rayo Vallecano side whose response came through a polished double from Camello. The result underlined the quality of Hansi Flick’s attack, although questions remain over the German manager’s defence, with Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen particularly in need of improvement.
Flick has created an attacking system that repeatedly tears open opposing defences. Barcelona’s movement, passing and pressing worked with such fluency that Raphinha once again looked increasingly comfortable as a central striker and, according to the assessment of Euro-football.ru, one of the world’s best players in that position.
The Russian football website rated Barcelona’s players on a subjective 10-point scale. Three players stood out in particular during the victory over Rayo Vallecano.
Anthony Gordon – 8.0
Anthony Gordon’s contribution was understated, but his willingness to involve his team-mates proved valuable throughout the match. His runs down the left-hand side repeatedly caused problems for Rayo Vallecano and helped create the openings for two of Barcelona’s goals.
On one occasion, Lejeune prevented Raphinha from scoring by getting the final touch to Anthony Gordon’s cross himself. Gordon responded by producing an outstanding reverse pass, finally putting Raphinha into a position from which he could finish.
The Englishman’s direct running gave Barcelona another way to attack, while his decision-making helped maintain the momentum of an increasingly dangerous forward line.
Raphinha – 9.0
Raphinha was one of the decisive figures, scoring twice and continuing a remarkable personal start to the campaign. After three rounds, the Brazilian has already scored five goals and moved to the top of the scoring charts.
His performance reflected both his technical quality and his understanding of the demands of the role. Deployed as the number nine, Raphinha committed himself fully to the position, working relentlessly as the central attacker and showing an exceptional grasp of the game.
He repeatedly sprinted on to balls played from deep, applied pressure to Rayo Vallecano’s defenders and maintained the intensity of Barcelona’s attack. His movement created constant uncertainty in the opposition defence, while his work also contributed to Lejeune’s own goal.
The two-goal display further strengthened the impression that Raphinha is adapting rapidly to a central role in Flick’s system.
Lamine Yamal – 9.0
Lamine Yamal appeared to have found his rhythm by the third round of the season, and his performance against Rayo Vallecano was another sign of his growing influence.
Both of his goals were impressive. From outside the penalty area, he struck the ball with enough precision and power to find the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. His finishing added another dimension to an attack already causing problems through its movement and variety.
Yamal also recorded seven key passes and completed seven successful dribbles. He won 11 individual duels, underlining how influential he was beyond his goals.
While Barcelona’s defensive display gave Flick reasons for concern, their attacking output was emphatic. Raphinha and Yamal supplied the finishing quality, Gordon provided penetration and creativity, and the overall structure of the forward play made Barcelona’s five-goal performance one of the most eye-catching displays of their early season.