BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — 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 López put the hosts ahead 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 Alejando Balde intended for Robert Lewandowski into his own net in the 82nd.
The draw left Barcelona in third place in the Spanish league. Leader Girona is three points ahead of Barcelona before playing Athletic Bilbao on Monday. Second-placed Real Madrid is one point ahead of Barcelona before visiting Cadiz on Sunday.
Rayo, despite its modest budget, has now gone undefeated against Barcelona in their last five meetings, winning three and drawing two. Barcelona’s last win over Rayo came in Jan. 2021 in the Copa del Rey.
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