Barcelona sack Koeman after Vallecano defeat

A first-half strike from Radamel Falcao was enough to hand Rayo Vallecano a shock 1-0 win over Barcelona on Wednesday and bring an end to Ronaldo Koeman’s reign as coach of the Catalan club.

Koeman was already under huge pressure following Barcelona’s defeat by rivals Real Madrid over the weekend and a second successive LaLiga defeat was quickly followed by the announcement of the Dutchman’s sacking.

The five-times European champions have won only two of their last seven league games and lie ninth in the standings with 15 points.

Colombian striker Falcao pounced in the 30th minute after Barca captain Sergio Busquets lost the ball in midfield and allowed Rayo to launch a quick counter-attack that led to the goal.

After dribbling past Gerard Pique, Falcao finished off in style by finding the back of the net.

Barca had a great chance to equalize in the 72nd minute but Rayo goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski saved Memphis Depay’s penalty strike.

In a frantic end to the game, Rayo held on to secure their first league win over Barcelona in 19 years and preserve their unbeaten league run at home this season. They have now won all five of their matches in Estadio de Vallecas.

They are fifth in LaLiga with 19 points from 11 games, only two behind pace setters Real Madrid, Sevilla, Real Betis and Real Sociedad.

ARR