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**Barcelona Aim for Perfect Start Against Tricky Rayo Vallecano**

**Vallecas, Spain** – FC Barcelona will face Rayo Vallecano this weekend hoping to secure their third consecutive LaLiga victory and a share of the top spot in the league standings before the international break. However, the Blaugrana face a stern test against an in-form Rayo Vallecano side. Under the guidance of Íñigo Pérez, Rayo has become a direct and challenging opponent, recently qualifying for the league phase of the Conference League.

“We know it will be a tough game,” admitted Barcelona coach Hansi Flick in his pre-match press conference. “Rayo are a good team, and we will need to be at our best to get the win.”

Flick will be without Gavi due to a knee injury. The coach has named a 23-man squad for the trip to Vallecas including regular players like Balde, Araujo, Cubarsí, Ferran, Pedri, Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Christensen, F. De Jong, and Kounde. Several youth players have also been called up, including M. Casadó, Gerard Martín, and Olmo, to bolster the squad options.

The match promises to be a closely contested affair as Barcelona seeks to maintain their momentum while Rayo Vallecano aims to continue their strong start to the season.

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