The newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo' reported today on Barcelona's upcoming La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, as the Blaugrana seek victory.
Barcelona will host Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou in the third round of the Spanish top-flight league.
Mundo Deportivo noted that Barcelona faces a significant challenge against Rayo Vallecano, having struggled against the opponent last season. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at Rayo's home ground, while Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 victory at Camp Nou in the second leg.
The newspaper praised Barcelona's start to the season, with the Catalan team scoring seven goals: five against Elche and two against Athletic Bilbao last Thursday, while the Blaugrana have yet to concede any goals.
Read also.. Updates on Gavi's condition ahead of the Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano match
It added that Barcelona's defense stood out remarkably during the first round of La Liga against Elche, led by goalkeeper Juan García, last season's Zamora Trophy winner, alongside a defensive quartet comprising Gerard Martín, Xavi Espart, Jules Koundé, and Andreas Christensen.
It clarified that Barcelona's defense also improved during the match against Athletic Bilbao, following Pau Cubarsí replacing Christensen in the starting lineup. The opposing team failed to register any shots on goal against the Blaugrana, except for one effort by Oihan Sancet that hit the post. A similar scenario occurred against Elche, where Facundo Buonanotte's shot struck the post during the first round.
Mundo further stated that despite Rayo Vallecano's poor start to the season—having not won any matches so far, drawing 1-1 with Deportivo Alavés and losing 2-1 to Sevilla—the players under coach Iñigo Pérez have proven their ability to compete with Barcelona last season.
The newspaper affirmed that Rayo Vallecano knows well how to play against Barcelona, although Monday's match conditions differ from those of the first-leg encounter last season.
It concluded by stating that Barcelona faces a major challenge in keeping a clean sheet against Rayo Vallecano for the third consecutive match, while coach Hans Flick is expected to field the same defensive lineup used in the first two rounds.
