Stole(n) victory: Rayo's kepeer keeps torturing Barca

Barcelona were held 0-0 by Rayo Vallecano in their opening game of the La Liga season and had captain Sergio Busquets sent off late on.

The Catalans had 21 shots on goal and the majority of possession at the Camp Nou but were unable to break the deadlock.

Barca boss Xavi started close-season signings including defender Andreas Christensen, winger Raphinha and striker Robert Lewandowski, who were only able to feature after being registered with the league late on Friday.

The five-time Champions League winners had to comply with La Liga's strict financial controls before being able to confirm the likes of ex-Bayern Munich attacker Lewandowski in their squad ahead of the new campaign.

The hosts dominated the opening half an hour as Lewandowski was denied a goal on his competitive debut. 

The Poland forward was judged to be offside from an Ousmane Dembele pass before his delicate chipped finish was cancelled out.

As rain fell at the Camp Nou in temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius, Pedri came close to breaking the deadlock with 10 minutes of the half to play but his curling effort flew past the post.

Despite their first half control Marc ter Stegen ensured the sides stayed level at the break with a fine save to stop Rayo's Alvaro Garcia during injury time.

Barca continued their onslaught on the Rayo defence but were unable to beat goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, who was involved in two heavy collisions on his line within the first 10 minutes of the second half.

With half an hour to play Xavi brought on Frenkie de Jong for Gavi despite the Netherlands midfielder being linked with a move away from Catalunya to lighten club debt, which forced Lionel Messi to leave 12 months ago.

With nine minutes left De Jong combined with Lewandowski but the 33-year-old's shot skimmed the upright.

Seven minutes later another Barca summer signing was denied a goal as midfielder Franck Kessie, who arrived from AC Milan, was offside before beating Dimitrievski.

Xavi's side ended the game with 10 men as club skipper Busquets was red-carded for an elbow on Falcao in the fourth of eight injury time minutes.

Less than 60 seconds later, Falcao thought he had scored the winner, and claimed Rayo's third straight win over the Catalans, but was found to be offside and the visitors held on for the point.

© Agence France-Presse

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 1

Friday

Osasuna - Sevilla 2-1 (1-1)

/Avila 9, Aimar 74 pen - Mir 11/

Saturday

Celta - Espanyol 2-2 (1-0)

/Aspas 45+2, Paciencia 63 - Exposito 72, Joselu 90+8/

Valladolid - Villareal 0-3 (0-0)

/Jackson 49, Baena 81, 90/

Barcelona - Rayo Vallecano 0-0

20.00: (4.10) Valladolid (3.50) Villareal (2.00)

22.00: (1.20) Barcelona (7.75) Rayo Vallecano (16.0)

Sunday

18.30: (3.60) Cadiz (3.15) Sociedad (2.30)

20.30: (1.90) Valencia (3.50) Girona (4.60)

23.00: (8.50) Almeria (4.80) Real Madrid (1.42)

Monday

18.30: (1.65) Ath.Bilbao (3.60) Mallorca (6.75)

20.30: (4.70) Getafe (3.30) Atl.Madrid (1.95)

22.30: (1.48) Betis (4.40) Elche (8.00)

***odds are subject to change