FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make a huge change to his first XI when the Catalans travel … [+] to Rayo Vallecano for a La Liga clash on Tuesday night in Spain.
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FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick will make a change to his first XI that hands one star his La Liga debut when the Catalans travel to Rayo Vallecano for a La Liga clash on Tuesday night in Spain.
Barca has gotten off to an unblemished 2024/2025 start in the Spanish top flight with two 2-1 wins in its first two outings.
Speaking at a prematch press conference on Monday afternoon, Flick confessed that he of course would love for his men to maintain a perfect 100% record heading into the international break at the start of September.
Until then, Barca must take on Rayo in Vallecas ahead of hosting a Real Valladolid outfit, which lost 3-0 to Real Madrid a couple of days ago, at the Montjuic Stadium on Saturday.
“It’s always the goal,” Flick said. “Win the games and get the points. We are going step by step: now we are focused on Rayo and that is how we manage it”.
When it was put to him that Barca has not won on Rayo’s patch in its last three attempts – with a 2021 defeat resulting in club legend Ronald Koeman being fired – Flick insisted: “I don’t look back, I work in the present.”
“We have had a good start to the season and what we must do is continue to advance. I know that it is a special stadium, smaller than the rest, and we are going to win the game,” the German added.
Over the past 24 hours, both teams have been buoyed by good news on new signings. Colombia legend James Rodriguez has joined the home side, and though he was bought for around $60 million from RB Leipzig almost three weeks ago, Dani Olmo has finally been provisionally registered until December 31.
With Ferran Torres keeping his place, the Euro 2024 winner won’t immediately line up in attacking midfield behind number 9 Robert Lewandowski.
Raphinha takes that CAM spot, with Ferran and Lamine Yamal to his left and right respectively.
Further back in a double pivot are a Marc Bernal and Pedri who were outstanding in last weekend’s win over Athletic Club, while the defence almost remains the same.
Captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s goal is protected by a back line of debutant Gerard Martin, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi and Jules Kounde from left to right, with the five of them unitedly hoping to keep the first clean sheet of the season.
FC Barcelona Starting XI Vs. Rayo Vallecano: Mr. Stegen; Gerard, Inigo, Cubarsi, Kounde; Pedri, Bernal; Ferran, Raphinha, Lamine; Lewandowski
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