Kathmandu,

August 14,

Barcelona's bright new future began with a stuttering goalless draw at home to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

After a summer spent frantically pulling at economic levers, this was Barca’s first chance to show off their new signings – other than Jules Kounde, who they weren’t able to register in time – in a competitive setting. While all eyes were on Robert Lewandowski ahead of his first start in La Liga, he was largely anonymous in the first half as the hosts struggled to find their rhythm in attack.