There are teams that are pure kryptonite. They are for some, maybe not for the rest of the world. They are because when you receive them at home or visit theirs, they take away your strength. they surpass you They make you feel broken, unstitched, liquid. And they can even be the definitive trigger to fire a coach as happened last year with Ronald Koeman. All this is what happens when Rayo Vallecano crosses the path of Barcelona. It doesn't matter if it's sunny or not. Nor does it affect the state of the grass, watered twice yesterday before the referee Gil Manzano whistled the start of the match.
Barcelona has gone four consecutive games without beating an uncomfortable and historically disturbing rival. Xavi knows it well, coach of three of the last four disappointments (one draw and two defeats) against the team coached by Andoni Iraola. “I already said that they are the most intense team in the First Division. Analyzing the game we have not been comfortable at any time. They are intense and aggressive and the ones we have had we have not hit. We suffered under the pressure and the second goal affected us a lot”, acknowledged the coach. “We lacked understanding of the game that was inside. We have abused the long pass too much. We have lost balls, we have been thick, ”he analyzed.
The good part?
“We continue to eleven points with one day less. But there is a lot left. It's not done. Every game away from home is a war. It's a shame because it could be 14 points ahead and we're leaving annoyed, it was a very good opportunity”, lamented Xavi. “You have to quickly forget this game and think about Saturday against Betis. But yes, we leave upset because we had the opportunity to put even more distance”, added Alejandro Balde, lamenting that the Blaugrana team has only been able to score one goal in five games. “But we are not in a negative dynamic. The other day we were very good against Atlético de Madrid. Each game is a different story”, defended Xavi while Rayo celebrated their victory.
Positioned in the middle of the table and savoring permanence with very balanced numbers throughout (11 wins, 10 draws and 10 losses, with 38 goals for and 35 against), Rayo is a team capable of claiming itself. Of the 16 league games in which those from Iraola have gone ahead on the scoreboard, they have only lost two. Barcelona, on the other hand, is a team that fails to rebel when it starts fitting in. Of the seven games in which the rival has beaten the Blaugrana in all competitions, Xavi's men have only managed to come back twice. One was against Real Madrid. The other against Osasuna.
The players left Vallecas frustrated and exhausted but thanking the 70 Blaugrana fans who cheered them on. “They deserved the win. In the first half we were not up to it. They are a very intense team and we have made mistakes”, said Ronald Araújo. “But we have a good points lead. The next home games against Betis and Osasuna must be won”, warned the Uruguayan center-back with a conformist tone.
Lewandowski was the only one who brought out self-esteem. The Pole, flying through nowhere, connected with Kessié and was reunited with the goal. The definitive 2-1. The top scorer of the League, somewhat decaffeinated since he returned from the World Cup (he has only five goals in the last 12 post-Qatar games) scored his 18th League goal against Rayo. “We tried to add at least one point but it has not been possible. You have to play better and attack more”, said the Pole. “We have had faith and courage. We have tried until the last moment”, added Xavi. Is the technician calm then? "You have to think about Saturday," he replied.
