Barcelona face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday night and over the past few years, trips to the Madrid ‘barrio’ club have been far from plain sailing for the Catalan side.
Barça did win the corresponding fixture last season thanks to a Dani Olmo strike which ended a run of three games which saw Rayo win twice with the game in 2023 ending all square.
Possible changes for Flick
Barcelona are uncomfortable with the intense, high-pressing style of Iñigo Pérez’s team with the home team also at ease at home on a tight pitch, playing in front of a small but always raucous crowd with no FC Barcelona fans set to be present in the away sector due to issues with Rayo’s stadium security.
The Catalans are fully aware that a tough night awaits them, but they’re prepared. Flick already warned the team during the summer that a good start to the season was key to future success. So far, the 2025-26 campaign has been positive for the ‘blaugrana’ in terms of results with two wins from two as they face the final of their three opening games away from home as the international break now looms.
The German coach could rotate his side for the Rayo game, especially in the defensive zone. Balde should start at left back with Koundé poised to secure the right back position to keep Rayo’s busy Álvaro García in check. Cubarsí could also return to a centre back role alongside Gerard Martín. Flick has multiple options for the center which could see De Jong and Pedri play (Gavi, injured, does not travel). The three attacking midfielders appear set to be Lamine Yamal, Olmo, and Raphinha with Lewandowski likely to regain his place as leading striker at the expense of Ferran Torres.