Match Preview
Barcelona will be seeking a much-improved performance when they visit Rayo Vallecano in a bid to make it three wins from three to start their LaLiga title defence.
After cruising past nine-man Mallorca in their opener, Barca had to come from two goals down against Levante to claim a 3-2 victory.
Rayo promise to provide another tricky test in what is their first LaLiga home game of the campaign.
Inigo Perez’s men began the season with a 3-1 win at Girona before losing 1-0 away to Athletic Bilbao. However, after clinching their place in the league phase of the Conference League in midweek, Rayo welcome Barca to Vallecas full of confidence.
Barca needed a second-half comeback to claim a 2-1 victory in this fixture just over a year ago, Dani Olmo’s 80th-minute strike clinching the points.
But Barca will be confident of breaking down Rayo, with their attack already in fine form after plundering 102 goals last season.
Ferran Torres has scored in each of their games so far, Barca’s attacking depth reflected by Robert Lewandowski’s presence on the bench, though that is in part due to his recent injury issues.
Yet there is clear concern about the defence in the wake of the thriller with Levante, particularly given title rivals Real Madrid have yet to concede a goal.
An improved defensive showing will be top priority for coach Hansi Flick as Barca aim to head into the international break with their 100 percent record still intact.
Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona team news
Abdul Mumin and Nobel Mendy are set to miss out for Rayo, with the former still not ready to return following a knee ligament tear suffered in March.
Barcelona have no new injury worries, though there may be changes from the Levante game, most notably at the back, where Jules Kounde could come in for Eric García.
Kounde signed a new contract to keep him at the club until 2030 last week, underlining his importance to the club. He’ll hope for the chance to demonstrate his value again at Vallecas.
Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona predicted lineups
Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Felipe, Chavarria; Ciss, Lopez; Palazon, Diaz, A Garcia; De Frutos.
Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
Is Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona on TV? Channel, live online stream
Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona is available to watch on Premier Sports 1. Premier Sports subscribers can also watch the game on Premier Sports Player and via Amazon Prime Video.
The game is available on the LaLiga TV subscription service and on the Bet365 website and app (only for customers with funds in their account).
Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona stats
- In 7 of the last 9 Rayo Vallecano matches in the LaLiga, the sum of goals was under 3.5
- In 3 of the last 4 Rayo Vallecano home matches the sum of goals was under 2.5
- In 3 of the last 4 Rayo Vallecano home matches in the LaLiga, the sum of goals was under 2.5
- In 3 of the last 4 Rayo Vallecano matches the sum of goals was under 3.5
- In 3 of the last 4 Rayo Vallecano home matches the sum of goals was under 3.5
- Barcelona have won the last 7 matches in a row while scoring more than 2.5 goals
- Barcelona have won the last 6 away matches in a row while scoring more than 2.5 goals
- In 15 of the last 17 Barcelona matches the sum of goals was over 2.5
- Barcelona have won 9 of the last 10 matches while scoring more than 1.5 goals
- Barcelona have won the last 7 matches in a row and the sum of goals was over 2.5
Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona prediction
Though the game against Levante proved more uneventful than first thought, a trip to Vallecas represents the toughest test of Barca’s season so far. Still, it’s one they will be expected to come through with the attacking quality they have at the disposal.
Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Barcelona
