La Liga 2023-24, Rayo Vallecano hold Barcelona 1-1: Key stats
Barcelona came from behind to play out a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano on matchday 14 of the 2023-24 La Liga at the Estadio de Vallecas. Unai Lopez's 39th-minute goal helped the hosts take the lead in the game before the half-time break. But an own goal from Florian Lejeune in the 82nd minute meant that it ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Here's more.
Barcelona register these unique La Liga records
Barcelona have won only twice in their last 14 visits to teams from the Madrid region in the La Liga (D4, L8). They had won 17 of their previous 20 visits. The Blaugrana had also lost their last two visits to Vallecano. They were one defeat away from creating a top-flight record. Barca have drawn four out of their last seven league away games.
Vallecano attain this sensational record La Liga record against Barcelona
Vallecano have not lost any of their last five matches against Barcelona in La Liga (W3, D2). This is the longest current unbeaten streak by a team against Barcelona in the La Liga. Granada are second with a current four-match league unbeaten run against Barcelona.
Barcelona and Xavi registered these records
As per Opta, Barcelona have won 15 points in the La Liga this season season from goals scored in the last 15 minutes of a game. This is the highest tally registered by a team among Europe's top five leagues. Similarly, Vallecano are the opposition, Xavi Hernandez has faced most times as Barcelona's manager in all competitions, without winning in four meetings (D2, L2).
How did the match pan out?
Barcelona had a decent start as Robert Lewandowski almost handed them the lead in the eighth minute but Stole Dimitrevski denied them. The Macedonian custodian kept Vallecano in the game with some exceptional saves until Lopez slammed home a brilliant goal. Barcelona kept pushing for the equalizer in the second half but they failed to take their chances until Lejeune conceded an own goal.
A look at the match stats
Barcelona had 15 attempts in comparison to Vallecano's 10 while both teams had four shots on target. However, the visitors maintained a 67% possession while completing 594 passes. They clocked 88% passing accuracy. Barcelona also got four corners but couldn't make them count.
Barcelona remain in third position, Vallecano move up to ninth
With this draw, Barcelona remain in the third position in the La Liga standings with 31 points. Girona (34) and Real Madrid (32) are ahead of the Blaugrana even after playing a game less. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid, who are fourth with 28 points have played only 12 matches. On the other hand, this was Vallecano's seventh draw in 14 matches, as they are ninth.
