RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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FC Barcelona will take on Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Monday.
Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images
Hansi Flick should field the same FC Barcelona starting XI that beat Athletic Club when his team hosts Rayo Vallecano at the Spotify Camp Nou on Monday evening in Spain.
The Catalans went unbeaten at home in the league last season, meaning they’ve yet to taste defeat in their stadium since they returned to it in November 2025.
Looking to upset that run is a Rayo outfit that has so far lost one and drawn one in 2026/2027 and is having problems playing at its own ground.
Putting out the same Blaugrana side for Flick entails Joan Garcia - who has kept two clean sheets thus far - lining up between the sticks.
He’ll be protected by a back line of Xavi Espart continuing on the left in the place of Alejandro Balde and Joao Cancelo , while Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi partner centrally and Eric Garcia is the right back.
With Rodri still not fit enough to start, Marc Bernal will be the lone pivot behind Pedri and Fermin Lopez.
The front line sees an impressive Anthony Gordon given a standing ovation last time on Raphinha’s left wing, as the Brazilian and joint top scorer with Fermin is the central 9.
An expected incoming transfer for Gabriel Jesus should provide his compatriot some relief in that department when he requires a rest.
But until he needs it, captain Raphinha is doing a fine job alongside Gordon while Lamine Yamal, on the right, continues to improve.
Lamine did better against Athletic Club than he managed at Elche in the 0-5 opening away win.
And after hitting the Basques’ woodwork, he might go one better and score at Rayo’s expense, as the home side looks to make it three wins out of three while keeping the heat on Real Madrid.
FC Barcelona Vs. Rayo Vallecano Starting XI: Joan; Espart, Gerard, Cubarsi, Eric; Bernal; Pedri, Fermin; Gordon, Raphinha, Lamine
What FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick said
“We have to manage all the players well. Many of them come from playing a lot of minutes in the World Cup. Everyone wants to play, but no one is above the team. Neither me nor any player. The team is number one. It is good news that the level is so high. If we want to achieve our goals, this is very important,”
FC Barcelona Vs. Rayo Vallecano kicks off at 21.30 local time in Spain.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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