Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Barcelona: Late Florian Lejeune own goal rescues point for Xavi's side in La Liga

A late own goal gave Barcelona a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday afternoon as La Liga returned.

The two sides were playing their first game back since the international break, and the Catalans needed a win to keep the pressure on at the top.

They started the day two points behind Real Madrid, while they were four points off the surprise league leaders, their geographically closer rivals, Girona.

But Unai Lopez gave the home side the lead with an astonishing effort from long range.

After his free-kick cross was cleared, the ball came to him and he cut across it on the volley to beat the diving Inaki Pena at the near post, such was the ferocity of the strike.

As Barcelona chased the game they introduced Joao Felix - struggling for goals - and former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, with another ex-City man, Ferran Torres, and Oriol Romeu making way with around a quarter of an hour remaining.

With eight minutes left, Florian Lejeune was forced to stick out a leg to stop a stooping Robert Lewandowski meeting a cross from the left, but unfortunately for the defender, his connection sent the ball past the keeper to concede a late equaliser.

The result leaves Barcelona third and at risk of falling further behind Real Madrid and Girona at the top of the table, while Rayo Vallecano are up to ninth for the time being.

Real Madrid travel to Cadiz on Sunday afternoon, while Girona play Athletic Club on Monday night.

Barca had to do without their emerging star midfielder Gavi, after he suffered an ACL injury during Spain’s game against Georgia that is almost certain to keep him out for the rest of the season following surgery.

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