The third matchday of the 2024/25 LaLiga season is already underway. But the first headline fixture sees Barcelona visit Rayo Vallecano, aiming to preserve the only remaining 100% record in the league.
By Neel Shelat
Do Barcelona Want Control or Chaos?
Traditionally, Barcelona have always been a team that seek to dominate possession and control matches. Even during a tough campaign such as 2023/24, they had by far the highest possession average in LaLiga – at nearly 65%. The trouble, however, was that they could not quite control matches as their midfield proved porous and allowed opponents to counter them.
That was among the main issues that plagued Xavi and ultimately led to his departure, so it was one of the big question marks Hansi Flick had to address after taking over. He wasn’t given too much more to work with – on the contrary, Barcelona lost two noteworthy midfielders in the transfer window as both İlkay Gündoğan and Oriol Romeu left. Besides poor squad building, Barça have already faced lots of injury issues this season, forcing Flick to turn to 17-year-old Marc Bernal to hold down defensive midfield in his first matches.
Crucially, though, he has allowed his side to pile forward by way of attack without predominantly focusing on controlling possession and preventing counterattacking chances from being conceded. That has led to them conceding in both games so far, but they have managed to create a great deal of chances worth about five xG altogether. It would seem that this is the best way forward for the Blaugrana, at least for now.
Rayo Promise Grit With A Creative Spark
Barcelona have faced a couple of sturdy defences so far – against Valencia and Athletic Club – and that trend should continue against Rayo Vallecano. They have conceded just one goal across their two matches, defeating Real Sociedad in the opener and grinding out a goalless draw against Getafe.
Besides organising a solid defensive block, Rayo will hope to pose a significant attacking threat in this match. Iñigo Pérez’s side can pose a direct threat as striker Sergio Camello is a great runner in behind, but they also have some ball-to-feet magicians in their squad. New signing James Rodríguez certainly has to be considered among them but he will not feature in this match, so Isi Palazón could well be the player to watch.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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