A lot of expectations arose for the Blaugrana' season opener only to be met with a 0-0 draw and a sent off captain.
The almost sold-out Camp Nou will be hoping that it was just a slip as their side takes the first steps in what is looking like a new era. One of redemption that the Catalans have been praying for in the last seven years.
It was a frustrating night for Barca whose fans showed up in numbers to see their new team headlined by Poland striker Robert Lewandowski (33), the twice FIFA Best Player of the Year winner, and Brazil winger Raphinha (25). Only to see their new recruits barely standing out or making a difference to their previous perfromances.
Xavi insisted on re-assuring everyone that it is indeed a one-time incident and that the climax to what he has been building up since joining the dugout in 2021 is slowly but surely coming.
"We tried as much as we could but we lacked aim and effectiveness. Maybe the pressure and expectation got a little under our skin," the Spaniard told DAZN.
"It will be a process, Rayo knew how to defend deep and hold on to their strategy with an outstanding discipline.
"We have to be patient and keep working. Better days will come."
To make sure they do, Barcelona's next test will be against Real Sociedad at San Sebastian. The Catalan side has yet to register Nico Gonzalez who is already in Valencia to begin a loan spell, Martin Braithwaite nor Samuel Umtiti.
All while keeping in mind that Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen all have been registered less than two days before their first competitive match of the season.
