We made a lot of mistakes - Flick on Barcelona's draw with Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed disappointment as his team dropped points for the first time this season after being held to a 1-1 draw away to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, leaving them fourth in the La Liga table heading into the first international break.

The Spanish giants failed to impose control and allowed Rayo to dictate spells of the game.

After the final whistle, manager Hansi Flick expressed disappointment with his side’s performance.

“I think the point was enough for us. We didn’t deserve more,” Flick admitted.

He continued, “We lacked intensity; we made a lot of mistakes. We can play better. We could have scored more goals; the second could have come in the first half, but Rayo played very well. I’m not happy with my team today. We lost a lot of balls, and we have to do better.”

Barcelona’s lack of sharpness and rhythm was evident, as the Blaugrana looked a far cry from the high-energy side that thrived on relentless pressing and quick transitions last season.

Flick pointed to the loss of intensity as a growing concern after similar issues were noted in the club’s opening two games.

The result means Barça head into the break with work to do. Following the pause, their schedule becomes more demanding, with a run of key La Liga fixtures and two massive Champions League clashes, away to Newcastle United and a home tie against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.