Official: Barcelona starting XI against Rayo Vallecano | La Liga

FC Barcelona are set to take on Rayo Vallecano as their next opponents in La Liga this season. Having gotten through their first two tests, against Valencia and Athletic Club respectively, the Catalan giants are ready for another obstacle. Thus far, the record for Barcelona has been perfect and they want to build on that.

To do so, however, overcoming Rayo Vallecano will be the hurdle that they must overcome. That is why, as expected, Hansi Flick has decided to field a strong eleven in order to make sure that La Blaugrana do not falter away from home in a game that could be crucial for more momentum. Here is the starting eleven for Barcelona against Rayo Vallecano, as per the club’s official sources.

In goal, as is always expected in high stake games, Hansi Flick has opted to select German goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. While the goalkeeper has not had any luck in keeping a clean sheet so far, he will hope to do so against the team from Vallecas.

Right in front of him, just as they did last game, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez form a centre-back partnership. Both Spaniards, one being a veteran while the other’s a young gem still in development, will hope to thwart any attacking threats that Rayo can conjure up and snuff them out right away.

On their flanks, Gerard Martin and Jules Kounde will play to their respective strengths on the left and right. With Martin and Kounde’s defensive qualities, Barça should feel much more assured about the versatility and strength of their back line. Alejandro Balde, however, will start on the bench this time.

In the heart of the midfield, it seems that Marc Bernal will once again be paired up with Pedri. Ultimately, Bernal returns to the starting eleven and remains the composed architect in the middle of the field for Barça, as it appears that Flick has put his faith in him again. Pedri, on the other hand, needs no introduction and the coach will hope for more of the same quality that he showcased in the previous game.

In front of the two defensive midfielders, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres get to start. Both Yamal and Raphinha were unquestionable picks given just how important they have been for Flick so far, whereas Torres offers a physical edge that is combined with a lot of energy to match it. Dani Olmo, on the other hand, will have to start on the bench following his registration and inclusion in the squad.

Finally, up front, Robert Lewandowski remains the man in charge to spearhead the attack. Having been in fantastic form recently, the Polish ace will hope to continue scoring for Barcelona and may aspire to aim for the Pichichi again this season.