Barcelona top La Liga as Yamal and Raphinha punish Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona came from behind to beat Rayo Vallecano 5-2 on Monday and move back to the top of La Liga, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha both scoring twice in a seven-goal contest.

The victory leaves Barcelona level on nine points with Real Madrid after three matches, although the champions lead the standings on goal difference.

Rayo made the stronger start and took the lead in the 12th minute when Sergio Camello finished to put the visitors ahead.

Barcelona responded quickly. Yamal equalised in the 19th minute before Raphinha completed the turnaround two minutes later, giving the home side a 2-1 advantage.

The hosts extended their lead shortly after half-time, although the goal came through an own goal. Anthony Gordon sent a low cross into the penalty area in the 51st minute, and Rayo Vallecano defender Lejeune attempted to clear it but instead diverted the ball into his own net.

Rayo refused to surrender and reduced the deficit in the 59th minute. A corner from the right found Camello, who rose above the defence and produced an excellent header that beat Barcelona goalkeeper Juan Garcia.

Raphinha restored Barcelona’s two-goal cushion in the 71st minute. The Brazilian forward collected a clever backheel from Gordon before sending a low finish into the net.

Barcelona completed the scoring in the 90th minute when Yamal struck his second goal of the match. He received a pass from Karim Adeyemi outside the penalty area and calmly guided a precise low shot beyond the goalkeeper.

The match also marked Hamza Abdelkarim’s first La Liga appearance for Barcelona. The Egyptian striker came on in the 85th minute, replacing Raphinha.

Barcelona’s comeback maintains their perfect start to the league campaign and puts them above Real Madrid at the summit on goal difference. Rayo Vallecano’s two goals, both scored by Camello, were not enough to prevent them from suffering defeat despite their early pressure.

The result also underlined Barcelona’s attacking strength, with Yamal and Raphinha providing the decisive contribution after the visitors had threatened to cause an upset in the opening stages.