Barcelona’s squad is staying at its usual Madrid concentration hotel ahead of tonight’s La Liga trip to Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano, on the third matchday with a 9:30 pm kick-off.
The visiting group includes a notable late registration: Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who was added to the expedition at the last minute yesterday after being absent in the first two matchdays. Also in the squad is Frenkie de Jong, returning after missing the Levante game due to paternity. Not in the plans for this match are Roony Bardghji and Héctor Fort. The delegation was led by club president Joan Laporta, who was accompanied by several other directors. Laporta is set to share a meal with his Rayo counterpart Martín Presa.
A small crowd of about twenty supporters gathered near the hotel to welcome the Barça players, who kept a low profile as they arrived. The team bus departed from the hotel’s main entrance. Laporta and directors Rafa Yuste and Joan Soler were in attendance and stayed at the InterContinental. Around midday, Laporta ate with Presa at Casa Lampazas, a well-known restaurant in the Salamanca district.
Context and outlook:
– Szczesny’s last-minute addition adds a twist to the goalkeeping situation for the trip, while De Jong’s return strengthens the midfield after his paternity leave.
– The absence of Bardghji and Fort could influence the lineup decisions for the Vallecas clash.
– The meeting between Laporta and Presa underscores ongoing ties between the clubs off the pitch.
Summary:
Barcelona travels to Vallecas with Szczesny in the squad and De Jong back from paternity leave, while Bardghji and Fort miss out. The club’s leadership is actively engaging with Rayo, and a small group of fans is backing the team as they aim to secure a positive result. Positive expectation surrounds a matchup that could help Barcelona build early-season momentum.