Barcelona 0-0 Rayo Vallecano: Hosts held to stalemate in opener

Barcelona manager Xavi fielded three new signings in his starting XI

Barcelona were frustrated in their opening La Liga game as Rayo Vallecano held on for a goalless draw.

Robert Lewandowski was among the summer recruits that were making their debuts, but he could not break the deadlock.

The Poland striker was adjudged offside with a first-half effort, and smashed the best chance after the break wide.

Sergio Camello nearly grabbed a winner for Vallecano, while Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card.

Having registered four of their new signings to play only 24 hours before kick-off, there was a cause for optimism around the Nou Camp as the game began.

Barca had been unable to register new players because of La Liga financial regulations, but freed up funding with several "economic levers" which allowed Lewandowski, Andreas Christensen and Raphinha to start this game, while Franck Kessie was named on the bench.

The hosts had 21 shots to Vallecano's four, but as the game wore on. tensions began to grow as the visitors remained resolute in defence.

Lewandowski, signed from Bayern Munich for £42.6m, had the best chance after the break when he spun his marker but could only fire wide as he failed to score on the opening day of a season for the first time in eight years.