Sun Sep 14 16:10:00 UTC 2025: **Barcelona Face Valencia in Unusual Home Opener at Johan Cruyff Stadium**

**BARCELONA, Spain** – FC Barcelona will host Valencia this Sunday in their first home match of the La Liga season, but not at the iconic Camp Nou. Due to ongoing renovations, the match will be held at the much smaller, 6,000-seater Johan Cruyff Stadium, a venue more accustomed to youth team games. This marks an unwanted attendance record for a Barcelona home league fixture.

Coach Hansi Flick will be primarily focused on securing a victory after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano in their last outing. Despite a strong recent record against Valencia, having won their last four encounters with a remarkable 18 goals scored, Barcelona will be without the services of Lamine Yamal.

Flick is expected to field the following lineup:

* **GK:** Joan García
* **RB:** Jules Koundé
* **CB:** Ronald Araújo
* **CB:** Pau Cubarsí
* **LB:** Gerard Martín
* **DM:** Marc Casadó
* **DM:** Pedri
* **AM:** Dani Olmo
* **RW:** Raphinha
* **ST:** Ferran Torres
* **LW:** Marcus Rashford

Several changes are forced by injury and fatigue. The midfield sees the absence of Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, granting Casadó a rare start. Gerard Martín steps in for the injured Alejandro Balde at left-back. Marcus Rashford fills Yamal’s void. Koundé, fresh from international duty with France, may face fatigue.

Flick will be hoping for a more dynamic performance from Raphinha after his subdued showing against Rayo. All eyes will be on Ferran Torres, who is set to lead the line against his former club.

The match presents an opportunity for Rashford to ignite his Barcelona career in Yamal’s place. Victory is vital for Barcelona as they look to set the tone for their campaign.

Read More