Barcelona secured a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou on Monday, August 31, 2026, maintaining their perfect start to the LaLiga season with 9 points from 3 matches [1, 2, 3, 4]. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal both scored twice to lead the hosts to victory [1, 2, 3, 4].
Rayo Vallecano took an early lead when Sergio Camello scored in the 12th minute, giving the visitors hope [1, 3]. However, Barcelona responded quickly as Raphinha equalized in the 19th minute, followed by a left-footed strike from Lamine Yamal into the top corner at 21 minutes, putting the home side ahead [1, 3].
An own goal by Florian Lejeune extended Barcelona’s lead to 3-1 early in the second half [1, 3]. Though Camello struck again for Rayo at 69 minutes to narrow the gap to 3-2, Raphinha's fifth goal of the season came in the 71st minute assisted by Anthony Gordon [1, 3]. Yamal sealed the result with a second goal at the 90th minute, finishing the scoring at 5-2 [1, 3].
Barcelona’s lineup featured Joan Garcia in goal, a back line of Xavi Espart, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, and Eric Garcia, midfielders Marc Bernal, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez, plus forwards Anthony Gordon, Raphinha, and Yamal. Coach Hansi Flick kept the same starting XI as their previous match against Athletic Club [4].
Rayo Vallecano remains 18th in the table with just one point from three matches and no wins [1, 3]. Meanwhile, Barcelona tops LaLiga on goal difference over Real Madrid and remains unbeaten at home since returning to Camp Nou in November 2025 [1, 3, 4].
Flick emphasized team unity after the game, stating, “We have to manage all the players well. Many of them come from playing a lot of minutes in the World Cup. Everyone wants to play, but no one is above the team. Neither me nor any player. The team is number one. It is good news that the level is so high. If we want to achieve our goals, this is very important” [4].
