Dani Olmo marks Barcelona debut with clinical game-winning goal in come-from-behind win over Rayo Vallecano

Dani Olmo returned to Barcelona in memorable fashion on Tuesday, scoring the game-winning goal in the team's come-from-behind 2-1 win at Rayo Vallecano. The game's final goal came in the 82nd minute when Olmo combined with club and country teammate Lamine Yamal for the strike. Yamal made a run to the endline on the right side of the penalty area and smartly spotted Olmo behind him, sending the ball his way. Olmo wasted little time scoring, taking a couple of touches before his powerful strike landed in the back of the net.

Olmo developed in Barcelona's academy but left before playing for the first team, surprisingly signing for Dinamo Zagreb in 2014 at the age of 16. He broke out in Croatia before making a name for himself with RB Leipzig in 2020, continuing his upward trajectory with a standout performance at Euro 2024. Olmo scored three goals for Spain as they went on to win the European Championship, their first since 2012, and quickly lined up a return to Barcelona.

The 26-year-old came on at halftime of the game against Rayo to make his long-awaited debut as Barcelona continued the work to mount a comeback. Hansi Flick's side were down a goal since the ninth minute when Unai Lopez scored to give Rayo a lead. Pedri leveled the score in the 60th minute before Olmo scored the go-ahead goal.

Barcelona's years-long financial struggles, though, meant Olmo had to wait until the third game of La Liga's new season to make his debut despite signing for the club on Aug. 9. The club were unable to register Olmo until the day of their clash against Rayo, benefitting from a loophole in the league's roster rules. Per The Athletic, the newcomer was added to the roster as a replacement to Andreas Christensen, who picked up an Achilles injury over the weekend and will miss a month of action. Olmo's status will not impact Christensen's, who will be eligible to play as soon as he is able to, but Olmo's registration is currently up at the end of 2024.

With their midweek victory, Barcelona are now the only team in La Liga to win their opening three games of the season. They aim to go four in a row on Saturday when they face Real Valladolid.