PREVIEW | Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona

The season has started well for Hansi Flick and FC Barcelona in La Liga - two games and two wins to kick off the 2024/25 campaign. Week three in the competition brings testing away trip to a Rayo Vallecano side who have also had a good start to the league championship with kick off at 9.30pm CEST on Tuesday in the Estadio Vallecas. 

Rayo undefeated start 

Tuesday's opponents have picked up four points in their two games so far with an excellent away at Real Sociedad on the opening weekend of the league and a goalless draw at Getafe last Saturday. With two away fixtures under their belts, Rayo will have Barça as visitors for their first game of La Liga in front of their own fans. 

James Rodríguez signed 

Madrid based Rayo Vallecano celebrate their centenary this year and this week have welcomed Colombian midfielder James Rodríguez to their squad. The 33 year old was recently named player of the tournament in the recent Copa América after helping his country to the final. The star signing will not be available for Tuesday's game according to coach Iñigo Pérez although the former Real Madrid is sure to be in the stadium to watch his new team mates take on Hansi Flick's team. 

Rotations 

With the first midweek round of fixtures of the 2024/25 season upon us, the question is will there be changes from coach Hansi Flick in a week with three games in La Liga. Following on from Tuesday's game in Vallecas, the blaugranes have a home game on Saturday in the Estadi Olímpic against newly promoted Valladolid. It is only early days, however, in the competition as coach Hansi Flick pointed out in his press conference ahead of the trip to Rayo.

Top of the table 

Barça and Celta Vigo were the only teams to start week 3 with 100% records in La Liga but with the Galicians going down to a 4-3 defeat at Villarreal on Monday in the opening fixture of this midweek round of games, Hansi Flick's team now have the chance to move clear at the top of the table with a good result against Rayo Vallecano in the Estadio Vallecas.