Rayo Vallecano hold FC Barcelona in Camp Nou, Villarreal off to a flier

MADRID: FC Barcelona kicked off the new La Liga season with a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Rayo Vallecano.

Barca had moments of impressive football on Saturday night, but Rayo defended well and have not conceded a goal in their last three meetings with the Catalans.Second

half goals from Nicolas Jackson and Alex Baena spoiled Valladolid's return to LaLiga and gave Villarreal a winning start to the season in the Jose Zorilla Stadium.

The result was slightly harsh on a battling display from the home side, but Villarreal had more quality in the vital areas of the pitch.

Jackson opened the scoring four minutes after the break and two goals from Baena in the last 10 minutes assured a 3-0 win for Unai Emery's side.

Joselu's 98th-minute penalty saved a point for Espanyol away to Celta Vigo, who had led 2-0 through Iago Aspas and Goncalo Palencia, only for Edu Esposito to pull a goal back in the 72nd-minute penalty before Oscar Mingueza's late foul allowed the former Alaves striker to complete the fightback.

The new season began on Friday night with Osasuna winning 2-1 at home to Sevilla.

Chimmy Avila opened the scoring for Osasuna in an entertaining match in the ninth minute, but Rafa Mir leveled for the visitors almost immediately afterward and it wasn't until the 74th minute until a penalty taken by youngster, Aimar Oroz decided the game. IANS

Also Read: FC Barcelona ready to challenge Real in title race: Robert Lewandowski

Also Watch: Assam: Major Boost For War Against Drugs, Cops Seize Huge Drugs Consignment