Barcelona fans must be patient after early reality check by Rayo

The carnival atmosphere and virtual capacity crowd at Camp Nou was unheard of for a first home game of the season.

Such is the excitement that has been generated by the summer signings and Xavi’s knack of integrating them into the squad perfectly.

As with anything new, however, it will take time to work properly. Teething problems? Not exactly.

A damp squib of a game was as much to do with Rayo’s backs-against-the-wall defending as it was to do with Barca’s inability to finish.

That said, the Catalans were so dominant in that opening 45 that Xavi can’t have been too disappointed by what he saw.