Dani Olmo celebrated his delayed Barcelona debut with a goal to seal a 2-1 comeback victory at Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Tuesday.
The Spain playmaker’s 82nd-minute strike helped Barcelona claim their third win from three matches under new coach Hansi Flick at the start of the season.
Barca were unable to register Olmo with La Liga after signing him from RB Leipzig until earlier in the day and he made an instant impact after being brought on at Rayo’s Vallecas stadium.
Unai Lopez sent Rayo ahead against a flat Barca in the first half but Olmo came on at the break and energised the Catalans, who levelled through Pedri before the new arrival struck the winner.
“(I’ve been waiting to play) since I arrived, looking forward to the first game, the debut, and what better way (to mark it),” Olmo told DAZN.
“I was really looking forward to it, I felt physically ready to play, and it finally happened today.
“I am very happy to have made my debut and helped the team.”
In the final stages 17-year-old defensive midfielder Marc Bernal was taken off after appearing to twist his knee and Flick was worried about the youngster, who has impressed at the start of the season.
“It’s a sad victory because Marc Bernal is injured and it looks not so good,” said the German coach.
“We have to wait until tomorrow to wait and see how heavy it is.
“We win, it’s OK but when you see the dressing room nobody is happy.”
Rayo Vallecano, celebrating their centenary year, signed former Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez earlier in the week and he watched on from the presidential box as Olmo netted the winner for the visitors.
“I’m always a player who looks to score, Lamine found me well and I finished well, a good goal, I’m very happy,” added Olmo.
Barcelona played with an energy in the second half which has often been missing late in games in recent years, with the team appearing notably fitter under Flick.
The victory guarantees Barca will top the table after the third round of matches, despite various injury issues affecting important players including Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo.
Bernal has started all three of Barcelona’s games this season and the club will hope he does not join the list of long-term absentees.
Champions Real Madrid visit Las Palmas on Thursday while Atletico Madrid host Espanyol on Wednesday, among other fixtures.
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