Barcelona Team News: Can Olmo and Lewandowski Fire Barca to Victory Against Rayo Vallecano?
Barcelona aim to secure a perfect record from their opening three away fixtures this season as they travel to face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
The Catalan giants dominated their season opener against Mallorca. However, manager Hansi Flick remained unsatisfied with his team's display, pointing to overconfidence as the primary cause of his post-game frustration.
Flick's concerns proved justified when Barcelona found themselves trailing by two goals at the break against newly-promoted Levante the following week. The team managed to mount a comeback for the win, but clear improvements are needed to meet their ambitious goals this campaign.
Next up is Rayo Vallecano. Dani Olmo impressed during his brief appearance last week and may earn his first starting role of the season, alongside Robert Lewandowski, who has overcome a hamstring problem, and Jules Koundé, who has surprisingly been used as Eric García's understudy to begin the campaign.
Gavi picked up an injury during training to the same knee where he suffered an ACL tear nearly two years prior and will miss the fixture. Nevertheless, Frenkie de Jong is expected to return after sitting out the Levante encounter.
Here's how Barcelona might line up against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—Barcelona's new shot-stopper couldn't prevent either Levante goal last week, but he continues to demonstrate composure with his distribution. He'll be targeting his second shutout of the campaign.
RB: Jules Koundé—The French defender has been omitted from the starting eleven in the opening two matches. Yet, given his importance to Flick last season, his return to the right-back position seems inevitable.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—Cubarsí has appeared uncertain when deployed as a left-sided center-back following Iñigo Martínez's exit. After an outstanding 2024–25 campaign, moving him to his preferred right-sided role could prove beneficial.
CB: Eric García—García serves as Flick's versatile option and will be positioned in central defense alongside Cubarsí, taking Ronald Araújo's place. This arrangement would see Flick utilize the center-back pairing that guided Spain's U-23 team to Olympic glory two summers back.
LB: Alejandro Balde—Despite Gerard Martín's La Liga registration, Balde remains the clear first-choice to offer pace and attacking threat down the left side.
CM: Frenkie de Jong—The Dutch midfielder's absence was keenly felt last week. Without De Jong partnering Pedri, Barcelona appeared unbalanced and vulnerable to quick transitions in the opening period.
CM: Pedri—Pedri stood out as Barcelona's finest performer against Levante. He orchestrated play from the middle of the park and produced a truly exceptional display. "Pedri Potter," as Luis Enrique famously called him, has been enchanting in the early stages of the season.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Barcelona's new number 10 has already contributed to three goals and completed 15 successful take-ons across two appearances. The responsibility of his new jersey number appears to suit him perfectly thus far.
AM: Dani Olmo—Olmo made his Barcelona bow away at Rayo exactly one year ago and netted the decisive goal. Following substitute appearances in Barça's opening two fixtures, he appears set for his maiden start.
LW: Raphinha—The Brazilian winger struggled to influence proceedings when operating in the number 10 position during the first half last week. He'll move back to the flank with freedom to cut inside, where he poses his greatest threat.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—The Polish striker has shaken off a preseason hamstring setback and will lead the line. He must rediscover his scoring touch quickly or risk losing minutes to Ferran Torres this season.
