How will Barcelona line up against Rayo Vallecano?

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona play their final game before the international break as they welcome Rayo Vallecano to Camp Nou looking to maintain their healthy advantage at the top of the La Liga table. Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Sunday’s battle: Defense Barça had three full days to recover from a game against Newcastle in which they were able to cruise for most of the second half, so it’s safe to assume Flick will be able to pick a pretty strong XI to make sure of the points in the last game before the international break.

Joan Garcia managed to escape injury after a scare on Wednesday and will be available for selection, and while it’s not a bad idea to start Wojciech Szczesny as a precaution, we still think Joan will start this one in front of a back four of João Cancelo at left-back, Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín at center-back, and Xavi Espart at right-back. Eric Garcia also avoided injury in midweek but probably won’t be risked in this one, especially given Espart’s very strong performances since making his senior debut. Midfield The midfield trio of Marc Bernal , Pedri and Fermín López played an important part against Newcastle and will likely start this one as well, though Dani Olmo is also in contention and could start alongside Fermín if Flick wants to rest one of Bernal or Pedri.

Attack Barça’s front three was simply sublime against Newcastle, and it’s hard not to see them starting again this weekend looking to continue their strong form. Robert Lewandowski scored twice in midweek and we think he’ll lead the line ahead of Ferran Torres, while the Lamine Yamal – Raphinha duo was unplayable on Wednesday and will look to wreak havoc against Rayo as well. Possible XI : Joan; Espart, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín, Raphinha; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1) How do you think Barcelona should line up against Rayo?

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