Barcelona are set to host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday afternoon, seeking to extend their lead in La Liga before the March international break.
Hansi Flick’s side has secured four consecutive wins, establishing a four-point advantage at the top of the La Liga standings. Their recent form includes a 5–2 victory over Sevilla and a 7–2 win against Newcastle United in the Champions League.
Barcelona’s Title Defence
Barcelona’s win against Newcastle United saw them punch their tickets to the Champions League quarterfinals. That Camp Nou night has Barça confident heading into Sunday’s match.
Rayo Vallecano have also kept their European season alive after qualifying to the Conference League quarterfinals and are undefeated in their last six league games. That run has helped them build a six-point buffer to the relegation zone.
Barcelona have the opportunity to open a seven-point gap at the top of the table. This puts pressure on Real Madrid to win in the Madrid derby later the same day. Victory on Sunday is simply paramount for the Blaugrana title defence.
Predicted Lineup and Potential Changes
After two of their best attacking performances of the season coming in the last week, Barcelona are back to looking like one of the most dangerous sides in Europe. They will be motivated to keep up that momentum before the two-week break.
The bulk of Flick’s squad has been heavily taxed over the past month, but with players expected to return from injury on the other side of the break, the clear mission is to deliver one final push before reinforcements coming soon to bolster the side in the crucial part of the campaign.
- Teenager Xavi Espart could enter the lineup at right back to make his second straight league start.
- Dani Olmo could replace Fermín López in the No. 10 role.
- Ferran Torres will likely give Robert Lewandowski some rest after the veteran Pole started each of the last three games.
Joan García had to be substituted with an injury on Wednesday, but further tests revealed it was only a minor scare and he’s good to go for Rayo’s visit.
Flick Aims to Solve Tactical Puzzle
Barcelona will be motivated to right the wrongs of the 1–1 draw against Rayo Vallecano in the reverse fixture. Flick will be on a mission to finally solve the Iñigo Pérez puzzle, given the young manager has made life difficult for the German since he arrived in Spain.
Wholesale changes to the XI aren’t expected this weekend, with this being Barça’s last commitment before the break. Still, a couple of changes could be in the cards as Flick makes some positional rotations.
The rest of the lineup could remain unchanged as Pedri and Marc Bernal will anchor the midfield, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal poised to wreak havoc down the wings.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): García; Espart, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yam
Barcelona’s Objective
Barcelona host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday afternoon aiming to go to the March international break on a high with a commanding lead in the La Liga title race.