Hansi Flick short on answers as Barcelona survive Rayo Vallecano test

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick had no time for excuses over their 1-1 La Liga draw on the road at Rayo Vallecano.

The Catalans continued their pattern of struggling in Vallecas as they head into the September international break two points behind Real Madrid.

Los Blancos lead the way with three wins from three games so far in 2025/26 with Flick’s charges picking up seven points.

Lamine Yamal put Barcelona on the right track just before half time as the 18-year-old slotted home his first-ever penalty for the club.

However, the hosts were stung into action by the controversial award of Lamine Yamal’s spot kick, as they got their reward and Fran Perez scored his first goal for Inigo Perez’s team.

The hosts looked the more likely to clinch three points in the final stages and Joan Garcia’s saves ensured Flick heads back north with a point in the bag.

The former Bayern Munich boss admitted his side were well below their level and a return to form will be demanded after the September international break.

Hansi Flick claims Barcelona did not deserve Rayo win

“I think a point was good enough. We don’t deserve more,” he said at full time.

“Joan García, Eric, and Christensen were good. The problem was in midfield and attack. We made so many mistakes.

“I’m not happy with my team. We did not play well.

“We didn’t play to our usual sharpness, we didn’t dominate as we should have, and we made many mistakes. When you play against a team that plays well, you have to play in different ways, and not make many mistakes, we should have played better.”

With the September international break incoming, Barcelona are next in action at home to Valencia on September 14 with hope remaining they can host Los Che at the Estadio Camp Nou.