Vallecas, one of La Liga's smallest stadiums, measuring just 100 by 65 meters with a capacity of only 14,708, proved a challenging environment for Barca. The intimate atmosphere that spurred on Inigo Perez's Vallecano side became stifling for Hansi Flick's team. The Madrid-based club effectively neutralized Barca within their Vallecas stronghold.

When Andoni Iraola left Vallecano for Bournemouth, he left behind two legacies: his close assistant Inigo Perez, now the team's manager, and a high-intensity pressing style of play, learned from his former mentor Marcelo Bielsa during his time at Athletic Bilbao.

This style propelled Vallecano to an 8th-place finish in La Liga last season and secured them a spot in the Conference League group stage after the play-offs. It was this same brand of football that Vallecano used to "welcome" Barca.

Vallecano players celebrate after equalizing 1-1 against Barca in the third round of La Liga at Vallecas Stadium, Madrid, Spain, 31/8. *Reuters*

The reigning champions were stifled by Vallecano's aggressive play, often finding themselves outmatched in both possession and dangerous opportunities. Barca was frequently drawn into individual battles, a result of the home team's relentless pressure and man-to-man marking.

This season, Vallecano boasts the second-highest number of tackles in La Liga, averaging 22 per game, and ranks second, behind Barca, in ball recoveries within the first five seconds of an opponent's possession. Barca's signature short passing game was also hindered by Vallecas' uneven pitch, still recovering from the Conference League play-off match three days prior.

Despite the challenges, Barca took the lead in the 40th minute with a penalty successfully converted by Yamal. Due to server issues affecting the VAR connection, referee Busquets Ferrer officiated the entire first half using traditional methods, relying solely on his judgment. While the home side vehemently protested the penalty decision, replays confirmed that defender Chavarria had indeed fouled Lamine Yamal, a decision later corroborated by former La Liga referee Iturralde Gonzalez, acting as an advisor for Spanish newspaper AS.

Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Barca. *Reuters*

Vallecano moved the ball quickly, primarily using long passes that bypassed Barca's high defensive line, positioned an average of 49 meters from their own goal this La Liga season. This resulted in a fast-paced match dominated by rapid transitions.

Missed chances by Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres were quickly countered by opportunities for Ratiu and Jorge de Frutos on the Vallecano side. Vallecano exploited Barca's offside trap, launching quick and effective attacks from the wings, while Barca relied on Pedri's midfield control or long balls from their own half.

Since Inigo Martinez's departure to Al-Nassr, Barca's defense has lacked a leader. Flick chose to change both center-backs for this match, opting for Eric Garcia and Christensen over Araujo and Cubarsi. The visitors struggled to contain Vallecano's creative playmaker, veteran Isi Palazon, nicknamed "the bald Messi." It was Palazon's clever corner kick that set up Fran Perez for the equalizing goal in the 67th minute, his shot deflecting off the crossbar and past Joan Garcia.

Lamine Yamal and his teammates couldn't capitalize on their lead, leaving Vallecas with only a point. *Reuters*

It was former Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, not Yamal, who ensured Barca left Vallecas with a point. Barca's decision to replace Ter Stegen with Garcia proved correct. The 24-year-old goalkeeper made five saves, anticipating his opponents' shots with impressive accuracy, earning him the Man of the Match award.

Barca struggled to control the tempo, while Vallecano never allowed them a moment's peace. The match ended with both teams having taken 12 shots, and possession almost even at 43% for the home side. Expected goals were also close at 1.66 and 1.77, respectively. With only one point, Barca watched Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao share the top spot.

Hoang Thong