Barcelona’s first 45 minutes against Rayo lacked spark and imagination. On a difficult ground that hasn’t favored the club in recent seasons, Hansi Flick’s team looked out of ideas after conceding an early goal.
Things changed at half-time when the German coach took off Ferran Torres to bring on Dani Olmo. Coming on for his debut, the 26-year-old midfield star changed the complexion of the game and looked sharp with every touch on the pitch.
Eventually, it was Olmo who netted the match-winner after Lamine Yamal’s cut-back found him in space inside the box. The ex-RB Leipzig man cut inside on his left foot and produced a Lionel Messi-esque finish on debut.
Hansi Flick was understandably happy with the 26-year-old’s debut performance against Rayo. As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the German coach provided his honest verdict on Olmo’s game. Here is what he had to say:
“That’s why he’s in our team. The first few minutes weren’t good for us, we didn’t press well, we didn’t combine, but in the second half Dani had a great game”
Flick couldn’t have summarized yesterday’s game better even if he tried. The German coach would not have been happy with what he saw from his team in the first half but the second-half performance was one to rejoice.
The reason that happened was thanks to Olmo. He came on and as his first involvement, went on a mazy run where he was fouled inside the box and should have been awarded a penalty. Soon after, he had an effort from range that hit the woodwork. Ultimately, he came up with the decisive goal.
Olmo’s performance was unfortunately overshadowed by the potential ACL injury that Marc Bernal suffered in the dying minutes of the game. It was a sad end to what was shaping up to be a happy day for a Barcelona fan.
If fans weren’t previously convinced by Olmo’s signing, his first 45-odd minutes at the club would have dispelled all their fears. Alongside Pedri, the duo look set to wreak havoc and exciting times lie ahead for Barcelona.
