Match Report: Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano,Barcelona unable to clinch a victory

Given the club's financial difficulties this summer, four of its five new acquisitions were only registered and formally available for selection 24 hours before the season opener.

They couldn't break through even with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Andreas Christensen, and Franck Kessie.

Barcelona has failed to score in three consecutive matches against Rayo, dating back to last season.

Rayo not only frustrated Barcelona, but they also had the most goal chances in the game.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen had to make a great save on a point-blank shot in the first half, and Rayo thought they had the winning goal at the end, only for Radamel Falcao to be offside.

It was one of three goals that were called back due to offside.

Robert Lewandowski unable to score 

Lewandowski was Barcelona's most significant summer acquisition, and he intended to assist settle games like this against opponents who were only interested in defending and countering. However, the Polish international did not receive many clear looks.

Barca was able to incorporate their wingers from the outset, which was intentional: they are supposed to be the ones providing possibilities for Lewandowski.

However, in the preseason, Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele were not as productive as they had been.

For the opening 30 minutes of the game, Xavi started Raphinha on the right and Dembele on the left. Dembele was noticeably more at ease and involved when they switched flanks to their more natural positions.

He did not receive a penalty call when he was shoved on a first-half set piece directly in front of the referee. He got a few more chances in the second half, but he couldn't convert.

Dropping points at home were not how Xavi Hernandez hoped to begin a season where the goal is to build a title push against current champions Real Madrid. In many respects, the difficulties and lack of a solution felt like a repeat of last season.

To make matters worse, captain Sergio Busquets was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time for a high arm in the face of Rayo's Falcao.

When the Dutch all-rounder came off the bench to play midfield, he gave Barcelona a boost.

He had clear ideas and good touches in and around the box, which Barcelona lacked throughout the game.

In retrospect, he would have been a better choice than Gavi, who failed to make an impression on the game.

De Jong's impact on the game may cause Barcelona to reconsider its plans for him in the next two weeks of the summer transfer window.

Teams are interested in signing him, but he is a unique player who suits the Barcelona system. Barcelona may regret letting him go; however, the financial situation may determine the final decision.

Barcelona's next La Liga match will not be any easier, as they will travel to play Real Sociedad, who finished sixth last season.