FC Barcelona - Rayo: Confirmed Lineups - LaLiga 24/25

OFFICIAL: The starting lineups of FC Barcelona under Hansi Flick and Rayo under Iñigo Pérez for the match of matchday 24 of LaLiga 2024/25 are now confirmed.

Hansi Flick will put all the 'meat on the grill' to achieve a victory that allows them to regain the lead, although he introduced a 'bombshell' in the starting eleven. Iñigo Martínez will accompany Pau Cubarsí in the center of defense, while Héctor Fort will rest Jules Koundé at right back. On the other hand, Frenkie de Jong has made the definitive 'surpass' over Casadó and will occupy the midfield axis. The rest of the lineup will be made up of the 'untouchables' of the German coach.

FC Barcelona Lineup

• Starting XI: Szczesny (G); Héctor Fort, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Balde; Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, Gavi; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
• Bench: Iñaki Peña (G); Araujo; Ferran Torres; Ansu Fati; Pablo Torre; Casadó; Pau Víctor; Dani Olmo; Koundé; Eric García; Kochen (G); Gerard Martín.
• Injured: Ter Stegen; Marc Bernal; Andreas Christensen.
• Suspended: Fermín López.

Significant changes in the eleven that played against Sevilla on matchday 23 of LaLiga:

1. Iñigo Martínez accompanies Cubarsí in the center of defense, Araujo will be on the bench
2. Frenkie de Jong remains as the team's pivot, Casadó is a substitute
3. Héctor Fort will be a starter at right back instead of Koundé

The Barça returns to Montjuïc with a clear objective in mind. After Real Madrid dropped two points in their visit to Osasuna and Atleti did the same against Celta at home, the Catalans are presented with an unbeatable opportunity to climb to the top of the standings. The culés have 48 points, and a victory would allow them to not only surpass the colchoneros (50) but also equal the merengues (51) and seize the lead.

For that reason, Flick has left no room for doubt and will go all out against the always tricky Rayo, although with a surprise in his XI. Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez will form a central duo and Héctor Fort replaces Koundé at right back. Meanwhile, De Jong surpasses Casadó as the starting pivot and will accompany Gavi and Pedri in the midfield. In attack, the culés' hopes rest on the feet of the continent's most lethal attacking trio. Injured are Ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen and Marc Bernal  and suspended is Fermín López.

Rayo Vallecano Lineup

• Starting XI: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarría; Ciss, Pedro Díaz; De Frutos, Isi, Álvaro; y Nteka.. 
• Bench: Cárdenas, Aridane, Trejo, Guardiola, Gumbau, Balliu, Embarba, Pacha, Óscar Valentín, De las Sías, Pelayo y Eto'o.