Barcelona 3-0 Rayo Vallecano: 5 Hits and Flops as Blaugrana complete comfortable win | La Liga 2023-24

Barcelona registered an easy 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on the back of a brace from Pedri in La Liga on Sunday, May 19. Following their 2-0 win over Almeria, Xavi made three changes to the side. Joao Cancelo, Ilkay Gundogan and Raphinha came into the side for Hector Fort, Pedri, and Ferran Torres.

It was the perfect start for Barcelona, who took the lead after just three minutes. Robert Lewandowski put the hosts ahead after Lamine Yamal found him with a cross to make it 1-0. Vallecano had their chances in the first half to score the leveller but could not find the back of the net.

Barcelona eventually grew in confidence in the second half and eventually doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute through Pedri. After a brilliant run and shot from Joao Felix, the ball fell to Pedri who smashed home the rebound to give La Blaugrana a two-goal advantage.

Just minutes later, the substitute doubled his tally. He beat the offside trap on a long ball from Ronald Araujo and finished calmly to make it 3-0.

The result means Barcelona confirmed second place for the season. Here are five hits and flops from the game.

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#5 Hit - Marc-Andre ter Stegen

The German was a solid presence at the back for the hosts, playing a key role in the side keeping a clean sheet. He finished the game with four saves and did well in distribution as well, completing all five of his attempted long balls.

#4 Flop - Rayo Vallecano

Despite losing 3-0, the scoreline does not do justice to the visitors' performance. They looked the better side for a few portions of the first half and should have levelled but for some poor finishing. They had 15 shots (four on target), missed three big chances, and an xG of 1.22.

#3 Hit - Robert Lewandowski

The Polish superstar did brilliantly well to open the scoring early on, controlling the ball with his chest and firing home. He now has 18 goals and eight assists in the league, a respectable tally after a difficult stint in the middle of the campaign.

#2 Flop - Raphinha

He was deployed on the opposite of his favored flank to accommodate Lamine Yamal and thus could not affect the game much. He was taken off on the hour mark, finishing with one shot, two chances created, and only one pass into the final third.

#1 Hit - Pedri

It was a brilliant outing off the bench from the youngster as he bagged two goals to secure the result for Barcelona. After missing much of the campaign with the injury, the Catalan giants will be delighted to have him back and hope he keeps his fitness in the next campaign.