Dani Olmo proclaimed his first goal for Barcelona is ‘just the beginning’ having finally made his debut for the club.

Barca came from behind to beat bogey team Rayo Vallecano 2-1 at Vallecas on Tuesday night, with Olmo coming off the bench to grab the winning goal late on.

Though the Euro 2024 star completed his move to Barcelona on 9 August, the club were unable to register him with La Liga until this week due to failure to meet strict financial regulations. A long-term injury to Andreas Christensen meant they could add Olmo to their squad in place of the Dane.

Speaking after Barca’s victory at Rayo, the versatile Olmo spoke of his delight at finally playing and explained what made this goal extra special.

“I had been waiting for many days, ever since I arrived I had been looking forward to the first game, the debut and what better way, it had been many years since we had won here so it was unbeatable,” he said.

“Wherever the manager puts me, I will try to give my best. Today he put me in midfield behind Robert [Lewandowski], but I can play on both wings and wherever I play, I will try to give my best. I always look to find opportunities. Lamine [Yamal] found me very well, I finished very well, so a good goal.

“It was a very complete match and this is just the beginning.

“I looked for space to hit and I knew the goalkeeper [Dani] Cardenas very well because he is a friend of mine from Terrassa, it is special that the first goal was against him.

“[We] had to control the match more in general terms. They were tired and we had to defend with the ball and we deserved this victory.”

Under the guidance of new head coach Hansi Flick, Barca have prevailed 2-1 in all three of their La Liga games to open the 2024/25 season.

They return to action on Saturday at home to Real Valladolid, who lost 3-0 at Real Madrid over the weekend.

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