Hansi Flick says he has no concerns about Lamine Yamal’s slow start to the season and has confirmed Rodri could make his first start for Barcelona against Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Barcelona began their defence of the LaLiga title with victories over Elche and Athletic Club and will welcome Rayo to Camp Nou looking to maintain their perfect record.
Raphinha and Fermin Lopez have already scored three goals each in LaLiga this season, while Karim Adeyemi is Barcelona’s other goalscorer in the competition.
Yamal, however, has yet to register a goal or assist in the opening two matches. The teenager has appeared frustrated at times since returning from Spain’s triumphant World Cup campaign, although no player has created more than his six chances. Raphinha has also created six.
Flick was asked whether he was worried by Yamal’s demeanour but played down any concern.
“It’s always good for players to smile. I don’t smile every day, either.
“Everyone is conditioned by how good Lamine is. He played in the World Cup after his injury and now returns from a three-week vacation.
“Maybe he’s not at his best level, but I’m very happy with what he’s brought us in the first two games.
“Against Athletic Club, he already played 90 minutes and that is great news. You haven’t been able to see him, but today he did great in training. He’s on the right track.”
Rodri came off the bench shortly after the hour mark against Athletic Club after Barcelona paid €76.5m (£65.4m) to sign the World Cup Golden Ball winner from Manchester City.
The former Ballon d’Or winner has experienced some recent fitness problems, but Flick suggested he could be included in the starting XI against Rayo.
“He’s had some problems in the last few days, but today he trained and had a really good feeling,” Flick said. “Of course he is ready to be a starter. We will see what happens.”
Barcelona are also reportedly close to signing Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, have insisted they will not sell Julian Alvarez to their domestic rivals.
Rayo Vallecano have taken one point from their first two games. They lost 2-1 to Sevilla before drawing 1-1 with Alaves.
Players to watch
Barcelona – Raphinha
Raphinha has scored in each of his past three LaLiga appearances, finding the net five times in total. A goal against Rayo would see him score in four consecutive matches in the competition for the first time.
His three goals in the opening two games of 2026-27 also represent his best start to a LaLiga season since joining Barcelona in 2022-23.
Rayo Vallecano – Sergio Camello
Sergio Camello has scored six goals in his last eight LaLiga appearances, matching the number he managed across his previous 75 matches in the competition.
The 25-year-old scored against Alaves in Rayo’s most recent game and will aim to maintain that form at Camp Nou.
Match prediction: Barcelona win
Barcelona have won their past 20 home LaLiga matches, their longest such run since recording 25 consecutive victories between November 2012 and January 2014.
They have also scored in each of their last 32 home games in the competition, scoring 92 goals during that sequence. It is their best run since finding the net in 34 successive home matches between February 2018 and December 2019 under Ernesto Valverde.
Flick’s side have maximum points so far this season, while Rayo are yet to win after two matches, recording one draw and one defeat. Rayo could therefore fail to win any of their opening three games for the first time since 2015-16, when Paco Jemez’s side began with one draw and two defeats.
Barcelona are unbeaten in their last four home LaLiga meetings with Rayo Vallecano, winning three and drawing one. They kept clean sheets in all four fixtures and could record five successive home shutouts against Rayo for the first time.
The Catalan club have won four of their last five LaLiga matches against Rayo Vallecano, with the other ending in a draw, after going five games without a victory in the fixture, losing three and drawing two.
Opta win probability
– Barcelona – 78.5%
– Rayo Vallecano – 8.1%
– Draw – 13.4%
