Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano live score, updates, highlights from La Liga Sunday match

As Barcelona roared through February and March, it seemed that Xavi had begun to finally reap the benefits of his early managerial tenure. Just weeks later, it’s all come undone again.

Alvaro Garcia’s early goal was enough to resign Barcelona to a third straight home defeat as Rayo Vallecano emerged 1-0 victors, leaving Barcelona yet unable to confirm a Champions League place. The hosts were baffled for much of the match by the heroic Rayo defending and goalkeeping, with precious few chances to equalize throughout the match.

The biggest opportunity came early in stoppage time as Gavi was barreled over by Alejandro Catena in the penalty area, but the referee mystifyingly refused to intervene, and neither did VAR. The Barcelona attacking trio of Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Ousmane Dembele who were so prolific through the early spring were toothless and unable to urge the hosts to a result.

Prior to last week, Barcelona had not lost two straight home matches since 2003, but now the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt, Cadiz, and Rayo Vallecano have humbled the Catalan giants. There is much soul-seeking for Xavi to do down the stretch of the season without the injured Pedri, Sergi Roberto, and Gerard Pique as they look to secure a spot in next year’s Champions League.

Rayo Vallecano, meanwhile, completes a dream double over Barcelona, having won earlier in the season at home as well. An early goal followed by an utterly heroic defensive performance, just how it was drawn up.

MORE: How many goals has Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored since moving to Barcelona?

Sporting News will be following the match live and providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.

Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano live score   1H 2H Final Barcelona 0 0 0 Rayo Vallecano 1 0 1

Goals: 7th min — RV — Alvaro Garcia

Commentary:

FULL-TIME: Barcelona 0-1 Rayo Vallecano

A sloppy finish to a sloppy match, Barcelona slumps to a third straight home defeat, and the game in hand over Atletico Madrid in the La Liga table vanishes with no return.

It's a horrible performance from the Catalan club, as the attack was toothless until the end and the defense breached. Injuries have taken a toll on this club, but there are no excuses for losing to Cadiz and Rayo Vallecano in back-to-back matches at home without a goal scored.

On the flip side, a heroic performance from Rayo who got an early goal and absorbed pressure the rest of the way. Even a point here would have been celebrated, but a road win at the Camp Nou to complete the season double over Barcelona is what dreams are made of.

Maybe some things haven't changed