Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Match Preview

 

Barcelona Eyes Top Spot Against Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona has the chance to climb to the top of the La Liga table with a victory over Rayo Vallecano on Monday night. The Catalan giants enjoyed a favorable weekend without playing, as their title rivals stumbled. Real Madrid dropped points in a draw against Osasuna, while Atletico Madrid was held at home by Celta Vigo after playing most of the game with ten men due to Pablo Barrios' early red card.

Hansi Flick’s side had slipped behind both Madrid clubs after a difficult end to 2024, but three consecutive wins have reignited their title challenge. However, they now face an in-form Rayo Vallecano, a side that has caused problems for La Liga’s top teams.

Under Inigo Perez, who succeeded Andoni Iraola, Rayo Vallecano has rediscovered their competitive edge. They play an intense, high-tempo style and are defensively disciplined. Currently sixth in La Liga, they have not lost a league game since December 1.

Match Details

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Stadium: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

Date: Monday, 17 February

Kick-off: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT

Referee: Mario Melero Lopez

VAR: Isira Diaz de Mera Escuderos

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Matches)

Barcelona: 2 wins

Rayo Vallecano: 1 win

Draws: 2

Last Meeting: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Barcelona (27 August 2024, La Liga)

Recent Form (All Competitions)

Barcelona:

Sevilla 1-4 Barcelona (09/02/25)

Valencia 0-5 Barcelona (06/02/25)

Barcelona 1-0 Alaves (02/02/25)

Barcelona 2-2 Atalanta (29/01/25)

Barcelona 7-1 Valencia (26/01/25)

Rayo Vallecano:

Rayo Vallecano 1-0 Real Valladolid (07/02/25)

Leganes 0-1 Rayo Vallecano (31/01/25)

Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Girona (26/01/25)

Osasuna 1-1 Rayo Vallecano (19/01/25)

Real Sociedad 3-1 Rayo Vallecano (16/01/25)

How to Watch (UK & US)

United Kingdom: ITVX, Premier Sports Player, LaLigaTV, ITV 4, Premier Sports 1

United States: fuboTV, ESPN+, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes

Canada: TSN+

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Barcelona

Midfielder Fermin Lopez is unavailable after receiving a red card against Sevilla. Dani Olmo is expected to step in as Barcelona’s playmaker. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Marc Bernal is also unavailable. Andreas Christensen’s injury woes persist, but Ronald Araujo is set to return after recovering from an ankle issue.

Predicted Barcelona Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Rayo Vallecano

Rayo will be without Sergio Camello and Unai Lopez, who picked up injuries in their last match. Joni Montiel remains out with a muscle injury. However, Randy Nteka returns from suspension and is expected to start as the central striker.

Predicted Rayo Vallecano Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; Diaz, Ciss; De Frutos, Palazon, Garcia; Nteka.

Score Prediction

Barcelona has a golden opportunity to claim top spot in La Liga, but Rayo Vallecano will not make it easy. The visitors have already taken points off both Madrid clubs this season and are more than capable of frustrating the Catalan side.

Rayo’s high-intensity style could cause problems for Barcelona’s aggressive defensive setup. However, given their recent form and the stakes of the match, Flick’s team should have enough to secure a crucial victory.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Rayo Vallecano.