Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano is shaping up to be one of the standout fixtures of Matchweek 3 in La Liga 2025-26.

Hansi Flick’s side are aiming for a third consecutive victory, while Rayo return home after a mixed start to the campaign.

With both teams motivated, all eyes will be on the starting lineups and tactical adjustments that could decide the clash.

Predicted XI for Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano

For Rayo Vallecano, head coach Iñigo Pérez has shown trust in a consistent lineup, using the same starting XI across the first two league games.

That trend is expected to continue, although he must consider player fatigue after their UEFA Conference League playoff midweek tie.

Jorge de Frutos and Isi Palazón are both fit to start, while Abdul Mumin remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

Rayo Vallecano predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Batalla (GK) — Ratiu, Lejeune, Felipe, Chavarría — Ciss, López — Palazón, Díaz, García — De Frutos

On the Barcelona side, Flick is set to welcome back Robert Lewandowski to the starting lineup after the Polish striker overcame a minor muscle issue.

Frenkie de Jong is also available following his brief absence for personal reasons, giving Barça extra creativity in midfield.

Youngster Lamine Yamal is tipped to keep his place on the right wing, while Dani Olmo and Raphinha provide attacking depth.

Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1): J. García (GK) — E. García, Cubarsí, Araújo, Balde — De Jong, Pedri — Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha — Lewandowski

Key absences and available players

In terms of the Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano absentees, the Catalan giants are still missing Marc-André ter Stegen (back surgery), D. Rodríguez (shoulder), and Bernal (knee).

Despite those setbacks, Flick has a strong core available, with veterans like Araújo and Pedri anchoring the team.

Rayo, meanwhile, only have Mumin unavailable, a far smaller injury list compared to their opponents.

This stability could prove vital as they look to frustrate Barcelona at Vallecas.

Barcelona’s tactical approach against Rayo Vallecano

How Flick adapts tactically to the Vallecas atmosphere will be crucial.

The Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano fixture often produces high-intensity duels, and Flick is expected to rely on quick transitions and wide play through Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Lewandowski’s return adds a clinical edge to the attack, while De Jong’s composure in midfield could dictate tempo.

Defensively, much will depend on the young pairing of Cubarsí and Araújo, who must contain Rayo’s counterattacks led by De Frutos and Isi Palazón.

The absence of Ter Stegen means Iñaki Peña or J. García will need to be sharp in goal, with no margin for error.

With both teams pushing to assert themselves early in the season, Sunday’s match promises a battle of intensity, precision, and tactical nuance.