Gavi struggles for sloppy Blaugrana in shock defeat

Xavi’s side conceded twice and saw a comeback attempt fall short as they continued their stumble towards the Liga title

Barcelona were battered by an energetic Rayo Vallecano press, while their midfield trio endured a miserable night in a 2-1 loss that saw title celebrations put on hold.

Alvaro Garcia opened the scoring for Rayo inside 20 minutes, blasting his shot into the bottom corner after a well-worked counter. Barcelona thought they had an equaliser when Robert Lewandowski put the ball in the net, but the striker was narrowly offside.

Fran Garcia added a Rayo second, the reported Real Madrid summer signee bursting through on goal to finish unmarked.

And although Lewandowski pulled one back late with a powerful strike, Barcelona were made to rue a sloppy performance. It is only a matter of time before Xavi’s side are officially La Liga champions. But with just one win in their last five, they aren’t making it easy.