We’re all set for another thrilling La Liga clash as FC Barcelona heads to Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano this Tuesday. With two straight wins under their belt, Barça is hungry for a third victory that could propel them to the top of the table. The buzz around this match is also fueled by Dani Olmo’s potential debut, as his registration was recently confirmed.
Barcelona has kicked off the season with impressive performances, leaving fans optimistic. Under Hansi Flick’s leadership, the team has embraced new tactics, and the results are already evident. We’ve seen Valencia and Athletic Club fall to Barça’s renewed strategy, and now, it’s Rayo’s turn to test their mettle against a confident Barcelona side. This match is set for 9:30 PM, and you can bet it’s going to be a high-intensity showdown.
After two convincing victories, the team is coming into this match with a lot of momentum. Flick’s high-pressure tactics are clicking into place—defensively, they’re solid, and offensively, they’re quicker and more efficient, just as the coach prefers. It’s clear that Barça is evolving, and the results are promising so far.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Vallecas is a tough place to play, with its compact pitch often making life difficult for visiting teams. Barcelona will need to be sharp and precise if they want to replicate their recent performances. The smaller field could also mean that Barça’s high press becomes even more effective, but only if executed flawlessly.
A Look at Barça’s Expected Lineup
When it comes to the starting lineup, Flick isn’t likely to shake things up too much, even with just three days of rest since their last match. There’s one big question in defense: Will Flick give a break to either Cubarsí or Iñigo Martínez and bring in Eric García? Given García’s uncertain future with the club, it’s a tough call for the coach.
In midfield, we might see Fermín López getting his first start of the season after a solid showing off the bench against Athletic. There’s also a chance that Marc Bernal could be rested, with Casadó taking his spot, especially since Casadó surprisingly didn’t start last weekend. Pedri, meanwhile, seems set to start again as he works his way back to full fitness.
Up front, expect only one possible change: Raphinha might shift to the left wing, replacing Ferran Torres. With Fermín back in the mix, Flick has to make a tough choice, and Ferran, who hasn’t quite found his rhythm, could be the one to make way. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal and Lewandowski will likely continue leading the attack.
Dani Olmo’s Debut: Will It Happen?
The big question mark remains Dani Olmo. The anticipation is high, but until we see him on the pitch, nothing is certain. He didn’t feature against Athletic, and there’s still a possibility that his debut could be delayed. If he is available, we might see him start on the bench, but don’t rule out a surprise inclusion in the starting eleven.
While we wait to see Olmo’s status, we shouldn’t forget about the ongoing injury concerns. Andreas Christensen is out until October, and the absences of Gavi, Ansu Fati, Frenkie de Jong, and Ronald Araújo continue to weigh on the team. Ansu is the only one who might return soon, while De Jong’s recovery is progressing, though his ankle remains a concern.
Vallecas: A Tough Place for Barça
No matter who steps onto the pitch, Barcelona will need to bring their A-game. Vallecas has been a tough ground for Barça since 2018. They haven’t won there since a 3-2 victory in November 2018. Rayo Vallecano has been a thorn in their side in recent visits, with a win and two draws in the last three matchups.
Rayo isn’t just sitting back either—they’ve started their season strong. They shocked everyone with a 2-1 win against Real Sociedad in their opener and held Getafe to a draw in their second match, staying undefeated. They’ll be eager to extend that streak against a Barcelona team that knows they can’t afford to slip up if they want to win in Vallecas for the first time in six years.
