Barcelona got past Rayo Vallecano with yet another second-half comeback to go top of the table with nine points from three games. Much of this game mirrored the one at Mestalla with Hansi Flick’s team being second best in the first half only to turn on the style in the second.
Much of the transformation in the game was down to Flick’s decision to take off Ferran Torres for Dani Olmo. The ex-RB Leipzig man turned the game on its head on his debut and emerged as the match-winner for his team.
Despite all the positives, Barcelona were dealt a crushing blow when their 17-year-old pivot had to be taken off with a serious injury in the dying minutes. The club’s fears have been confirmed with the player suspected to have torn his ACL.
Looking beyond this cruel twist of fate, two Barcelona players who had exceptional games against Rayo were Pedri and Olmo, and deservedly, both ended up on the scoresheet. The former pulled all the strings from midfield just like he did against Athletic Bilbao.
Speaking after the game as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Pedri was full of praise for Olmo, highlighting his ability to ‘understand football very well’. Here is what the 21-year-old Spaniard had to say:
“What we’ve seen from the outside is that Olmo gives us a lot of peace of mind. He plays with one or two touches, and when he has to turn, he turns. He understands football very well and he’s going to help us a lot.”
Playing for Barcelona for the first time in years, Olmo did not look out of place for one second. His first touch was magic and he only kept getting better as the game went on. He also came up with a finish that would have made Lionel Messi proud.
The 26-year-old, based on his first 45 minutes for the club looks like a game-changing signing. Alongside Pedri, the duo look set to dominate Spanish football with their magic and Barcelona cannot wish for more.
The crucial thing for both players is to maintain their fitness considering how injury-prone they are. Let’s hope the two can remain in the best shape possible to help Barcelona to achieve success this season and for the years to come.
