First match and first disappointment: FC Barcelona, where its new star Robert Lewandowski made his debut in an official match, could only draw 0-0 at home against Rayo Vallecano, this Saturday on the first day of the Spanish championship.
The Camp Nou expected goals and a first celebration, but will have to wait for it.
Lewandowski started and repeatedly tried to debut his scoring account in his new colours, but he will have to wait until at least next weekend, against Real Sociedad.
‘Lewy’ was active in the attack, along with Raphinha and Ousmane Dembélé, but not enough to bring down Rayo’s wall.
The Polish striker’s best action came in the 13th minute, when a Dembélé cross was used by the former Bayern Munich striker to loft over Stole Dimitrievski and open the scoring, but the goal was immediately disallowed for offside.
He then had a good chance in the 82nd minute, but his shot with his left foot was not well directed.
Barça even had cold sweats in the final discount of the game, when Salvi Sánchez scored (90 + 5) for Rayo, but the goal was annulled, also for offside.
Raphinha, who arrived at Barça from Leeds, often ran into the visiting defense, without finding any space.
The other signings of the Catalan club did not particularly shine in this league debut: Andreas Christensen started in the center of defense and left his place to Sergi Roberto at game time, while Franck Kessié, who entered in 73rd, barely let see
Frenchman Jules Koundé (former Sevilla), the team’s other signing, watched the match from the stands as he could not be registered for the time being because the club first needs to lower its wage bill, something it plans to do in the coming days.
Rayo Vallecano is confirmed as a very uncomfortable team for Barcelona, who lost twice to that rival from Madrid last season.