Lackluster Barca rattled by Rayo

Spanish champion Barcelona needed an own-goal by Rayo Vallecano defender Florian Lejeune in the final minutes to salvage a 1-1 draw in Madrid on Saturday.

Rayo midfielder Unai Lopez put the host ahead in the Spanish league game with a shot from well outside the area in the 39th minute at Vallecas Stadium.

Barcelona was held in check until late in the second half. Minutes after substitute Raphinha hit the post, Lejeune inadvertently turned a cross by Alejandro Balde, which was intended for Robert Lewandowski, into his own net in the 82nd.

The result gave surprise leader Girona and second-placed Real Madrid the chance to extend their leads on the Catalans, who are fourth.

Antoine Griezmann's header earned Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win over Real Mallorca later on Saturday to take the Rojiblancos third, above Barcelona on goal difference, having played a game fewer.

Lopez drove Rayo ahead from long range in the first half, but Barca equalized through Lejeune's own-goal in the 82nd minute.

The draw adds to the doubts around Barca, which has not been at its best for several weeks and faces Porto on Tuesday seeking qualification to the Champions League knockout stages.

"I think it was a game of two halves. In the first, we dominated but we weren't aggressive enough to cause damage," said Barca head coach Xavi Hernandez.

"In the second, we scored a goal and could have had others ... we need to win these games if we want to win the league.

"We have to be self-critical, it's costing us too much this season giving things away... in modern football a lot changes when they (the opposition) score against you."

Inaki Pena started in goal for Barca with Marc-Andre ter Stegen out with a back problem, while Xavi turned to the fit-again Frenkie de Jong to replace the injured Gavi in midfield.

The 19-year-old's cruciate ligament tear will keep him out for the season, with Barcelona losing a player the coach has described as the "soul" of the team.

Barcelona players wore shirts before kickoff with the Spain international's name on the back, and a message which read: "We are with you, Gavi."

Host Rayo started well, encouraged by having beaten Barca in three of its four previous clashes, including twice at their ramshackle Vallecas Stadium.

Rayo took the lead after 39 minutes when Lopez hammered a superb effort into the bottom-right corner from around 30 yards (27 meters) out after the ball was cleared into his path.

Xavi said Barca would miss Gavi's "intensity, heart and courage "against Francisco Rodriguez's side and he was proven right, although the visitor improved a little after the break.

Ferran Torres and Pedri came close for Barca before a rasping Raphinha effort hit the post and Rayo hacked Robert Lewandowski's follow-up off the line.

Eventually the Catalans leveled with eight minutes remaining when Lejeune diverted Balde's cross into his own net, under pressure from Lewandowski.

"We didn't play well, we weren't at the level that we can be," De Jong told DAZN.

"We have to work to improve — the plan is good, we are confident, everyone ran as much as they could. I think that we weren't good in possession."

Barcelona has now failed to beat Rayo in five matches and could fall six points behind Girona if its neighbor beats Athletic Bilbao on Monday at Montilivi.

Griezmann in the groove

Real Madrid was one point ahead of Barca and Atletico ahead of a visit to Cadiz on Sunday.

Griezmann's superb header after 64 minutes earned his Atletico team victory, although visitor Mallorca spurned some good openings in the closing stages.

Midfielder Koke, Atletico's record appearance maker, hit a milestone of 600 games for the club.

"The match was very hard for us. Mallorca played a very serious game," Koke told Movistar.

"Six hundred games is an extraordinary number," added Atletico coach Diego Simeone. "Nobody has given him anything for free, and we have shared a lot (of memories here)."

The goal was Griezmann's 301st in his career and he is rapidly closing in on Luis Aragones' club record of 173 — the French forward has 170 for Atletico.

" (Griezmann) will be living history at Atletico Madrid, he will surpass Luis Aragones," added Koke.

Atletico visits Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday night, knowing it can reach the last 16 with a victory.

Mallorca, which is 17th, is one point clear of the relegation zone but has played one fewer match than the three teams below it.

Winless bottom-of-the-table Almeria lost 2-1 at Getafe, while Valencia and Celta Vigo, in 18th position, shared a goalless draw.

Agencies