Alvaro Garcia and Fran Garcia scored in each half as Rayo Vallecano recorded a memorable 2-1 win over runaway LaLiga leaders Barcelona on Wednesday.
Robert Lewandowski pulled a goal back late on, but it proved too little, too late for Barca, who tasted defeat in the league for just the third time this season.
Rayo climbed to ninth with the three points, while Barca remain 11 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table with just seven games to be played.
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Rapid reaction
1. Below-par Barça ruffled by Rayo again
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez warned his players how tough Wednesday’s trip to Vallecas would be. They lost there 1-0 last season, a result which cost Ronald Koeman his job, and have struggled home and away against Rayo since they returned to LaLiga in 2021.
Rayo have now picked up 10 points from 12 against Barca over the last two seasons. Robert Lewandowski’s late goal was the first time Barca have scored against them in four meetings, too.
It’s not just the results, either. Rayo have been worthy winners. Andoni Iraola’s side were better than Barca from the off. They were more intense and better with the ball. Marc-Andre ter Stegen had already saved from Sergio Camello when Alvaro opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a smart finish.
Stole Dimitrievski denied Lewandowski at the other end and the Polish striker then had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside, but Barca forays forward were otherwise rare. Fran Garcia, on loan from Real Madrid, deservedly added the second as Rayo became just the second team to score twice against Barca in LaLiga this season.
