Barcelona misfiring attacker expected to start against Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will be aiming to go into the international window on a winning note as they face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in their final game before the break.

Coming on the back of two huge victories over Sevilla (5-2) and Newcastle United (7-2), the Blaugrana have momentum on their side and will be eager to strengthen their grip at the top of the table.

Ferran Torres in place of Robert Lewandowski

Leading up to the match, Mundo Deportivo reports that Hansi Flick is contemplating a key change to the starting lineup, with Ferran Torres expected to start as the No. 9 in place of Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish striker has started the last three matches for Barça, twice against Newcastle United on either side of a La Liga clash versus Sevilla.

However, at 37, the veteran superstar needs his rest and game time managed. Even more so, considering that Lewandowski is staring at a crucial international window.

Ferran in line to start. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

After all, Lewandowski’s Poland play Albania in Warsaw in the World Cup 2026 play-off semi-final. If successful, they will meet either Ukraine or Sweden, featuring Roony Bardghji, in the final.

As such, the former Bayern Munich ace is expected to be benched against Rayo, opening the door for Ferran, who is going through a rough patch, to start.

Ferran has not scored since late January, in a 3-1 victory over Elche. He has now gone 11 matches, five of them as a starter, without finding the net. During this period, he has also failed to register an assist.

Furthermore, in Rayo, he will face an opponent against whom he has yet to score in eight previous meetings, including two during his time at Valencia.

Despite this dip in form, Ferran has scored 16 goals so far this season, the same number as Lewandowski. He is currently the team’s third-highest scorer, behind Lamine Yamal (21) and Raphinha (19).

And, he will hope to end his goal drought tomorrow against Rayo Vallecano.