Barcelona 27-year-old midfielder has a strong chance of starting vs Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Barcelona take on Rayo Vallecano on Sunday night in their third La Liga game of the 2025/26 season, away at Estadio de Vallecas.

It was at this venue, a little over a year ago, that a certain Dani Olmo made his first official appearance for the Blaugrana after signing from RB Leipzig.

After missing the first two La Liga matches due to not being registered, the 27-year-old playmaker made his official debut vs Rayo, coming on for Ferran Torres at the start of the second half and made a huge mark.

Olmo in line for a start at Vallecas

Now, according to SPORT, Olmo has a strong chance of starting for Barcelona for the first time this season when they take on Rayo Vallecano tomorrow.

After completing a good Asian tour, playing well in the friendlies against Vissel Kobe, FC Seoul and Daegu FC, Olmo suffered a muscle overload and missed the last pre-season test, the Gamper Trophy.

Olmo could start vs Rayo. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Fermin Lopez’s outstanding performance against Como then pushed Hansi Flick to start the player in the first La Liga match against Mallorca ahead of Olmo.

In the second game of the season against Levante, Raphinha was chosen in the No. 10 role, but the experiment at the Ciutat de Valencia did not work out well.

With all the noise surrounding Fermin’s future, plus the likely return of Raphinha to his natural position on the left wing, Olmo has a great chance of earning his first start of the season on Sunday against Rayo.

The Spanish international was a key catalyst for Barça on their previous visit to Vallecas. After coming on, he helped his team come from behind to win, finishing with one goal (the winner), two key passes, one clear chance created, and a shot against the post.

Now, at the very same ground where he made his official debut, Olmo will likely have another chance to showcase his qualities and reclaim his starting berth for good.