Barcelona will be looking for a third win in three games to kick off the new La Liga season when they take on Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday, August 27.
Hansi Flick has overseen back-to-back 2-1 wins over Valencia and Athletic Club in a promising start to life as head coach at the Camp Nou, despite injury problems and the distractions of Barca’s transfer manoeuvres as they attempt to meet La Liga’s spending rules.
New signing Dani Olmo has yet to play as the club were unable to register him without risking going over their salary cap, but the Euro 2024 star will be hoping to feature at some point this week, even if the Rayo game comes too soon.
The Madrid club beat Real Sociedad on matchday one before drawing 0-0 with neighbours Getafe, in which neither team managed to put a shot on target. Barca have failed to win in their last three trips to Vallecas, however, so the hosts will go into this game in relatively confident mood.
Rayo fans have already had a memorable start to the week, with the club announcing the signing of Colombian star James Rodriguez on the eve of the match. A win against Barca would only add to the party mood.
THE Jugo Mobile Check out the latest team news and predicted lineups for this match.
Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona lineups, predicted starting XI and team news
Rayo boss Inigo Perez could be tempted to revert to the 4-4-2 formation that saw his side secure an impressive 2-1 away win over Real Sociedad on matchday one, although a 4-2-3-1 could offer better defensive protection.
Romanian right back Andrei Ratius will be hoping to be fit after missing the draw against Getafe with a minor injury, and there could be some rotation given the team only had two days to recover from that game. Isi Palazon, Alvaro Garcia RiveraAnd Sergio Camello could enter.
New signature James Rodriguez is not expected to be involved so soon, with his transfer to the club only confirmed the day before the game.
Rayo Vallecano’s predicted XI (4-2-3-1, from right to left): Cardenas (GK) — Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Espino — Valentin, Unai Lopez — Embarba, Isi Palazon, Garcia Rivera — Camello
Hurt: Andrei Ratiu (doubt)
Suspended: None
Barca’s defense will almost certainly remain unchanged given that Clement Lenglet joined Atlético Madrid on loan and Eric Garcia may also move before the transfer deadline.
Flick might be tempted to start Fermin Lopezalthough this may depend on whether Dani Olmo can finally be registered in La Liga. Robert Lewandowski will likely retain his place after scoring three times in the first two games, although Ferran Torres could be used from the start to give the Polish star a rest.
Barcelona’s predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ter Stegen (GK)—Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde—Casado, Pedri—Lamine Yamal, Lopez, Torres—Lewandowski
Hurt: Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Ansu Fati
Suspended: None
Unavailable: Dani Olmo (pending registration)
Live Stream Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona Match, TV Channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match in select areas across major regions around the world:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | ESPN Deportes | ESPN+, Fubo |
| Canada | — | TSN+ |
| UNITED KINGDOM | Premier Sports 1, LaLigaTV | Leading sports actor |
| Australia | beIN SPORTS 3 | beIN Sports Connect |
| India | — | GXR World |
