Barcelona’s fast start faces Rayo test as injuries shape likely line-ups

Barcelona will look to maintain their perfect start to the La Liga season when they host Rayo Vallecano on Monday, 31 August 2026.

The third-round fixture is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 GMT, with Barcelona aiming to build on convincing victories in their opening two matches. Rayo, by contrast, arrive at Camp Nou with one point from their first two games and will be without two important players.

Barcelona began their league campaign with a 5-0 win away at Elche before beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in front of their home supporters. The early form of their summer additions has been one of the main positives, with Rodri quickly settling into the side and Raphinha already scoring three goals.

There is less encouraging news regarding injuries. Frenkie de Jong and highly rated youngster Roony Bardghji are both currently unavailable.

Barcelona’s probable line-up:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Xavi Espart

Midfielders: Rodri, Pedri, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon

Rayo Vallecano have made a less impressive start and sit in the middle part of the table after drawing one game and losing the other. Manager Inigo Perez will have to make changes for the trip to Barcelona because first-choice goalkeeper Augusto Batalla and defender Luiz Felipe are both injured.

Rayo Vallecano’s probable line-up:

Goalkeeper: Daniel Cardenas

Defenders: Andrei Ratiu, Florian Lejeune, Pelayo Fernandez, Jozhua Vertrouwd

Midfielders: Pathe Ciss, Unai Lopez, Randy Nteka

Forwards: Jorge de Frutos, Sergio Camello, Fran Perez

Barcelona’s strong opening results have made them clear favourites for the meeting, while Rayo will be hoping to produce a result that improves their early league position.

The betting company 1xBet lists Barcelona at 1.2 to win, with the draw priced at 8.5 and a Rayo Vallecano victory at 16. The match will be Barcelona’s third La Liga fixture of the season and gives them the opportunity to continue their impressive start at home.