

Substitute Fran Perez earned Rayo Vallecano a deserved 1-1 draw against Barcelona in LaLiga on Sunday. The visitors had gone ahead in the 40th minute when Lamine Yamal won and converted a penalty, drilling his shot down the middle after going down under Pep Chavarria’s challenge. Earlier, Barcelona wasted an early chance as Raphinha fired wide following a poor backpass from Unai Lopez, while Rayo pushed back with efforts from Andrei Ratiu and Luiz Felipe, both saved by Joan Garcia.
After the break, Barcelona looked sharp but failed to extend their lead, and Jorge de Frutos had a goal ruled out for offside. Rayo’s persistence was finally rewarded in the 67th minute when Isi Palazon’s corner was met at the back post by Perez, who volleyed home to secure a point and deny Barcelona a much-needed victory.