9Barcelona travel to Vallecas on Sunday night looking to keep their perfect start to the La Liga season alive. Hansi Flick’s side have won both of their opening matches 3-0 against Mallorca and a dramatic 3-2 comeback at Levante and another three points here would make it nine from nine heading into the international break.
Softfootball reports that on paper, the reigning champions are favourites, but Vallecas is rarely a comfortable stop. Rayo Vallecano have already qualified for the UEFA Conference League group stage this week with a convincing 4-0 win over Neman, ending a 25-year wait for European football. Confidence is high, even if their league form has been more modest with one win and one defeat so far.
The main talking point isn’t just the opposition, though it’s the pitch. Reports from Vallecas have called the surface an absolute mess, raising concerns about both the quality of the match and the risk of injury. Flick will be aware his squad can’t afford setbacks ahead of a busy run that includes the Champions League.
Barcelona welcome back key players Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong, while De Jong is thrown into the starting XI. Lewandowski will start from the bench; however, Dani Olmo will also feature from the go alongside Pedri who is in fine form after sparking last week’s comeback and scoring in three straight games against Rayo.
Barcelona’s Starting Line-up Posted on the club’s official X handle:
Rayo’s Starting XI Posted on the club’s official X handle:
Rayo’s Álvaro García is the danger man, scoring twice in Europe on Thursday and boasting a strong record against Barça. Still, the visitors’ attacking firepower, scoring three goals in each of their last three league outings, makes them favourites to extend their winning streak, even if Vallecas has tripped them up before.
