The giant from Camp Nou, under Flick’s first season as head coach here, collected all the “Spanish” football trophies last season. It’s already clear that this won’t be repeated: after retaining the Super Cup, they lost the Copa del Rey semifinal by one goal less than Atlético – 0-4 and 3-0. In La Liga, they lost the lead, but quickly took advantage of new Real Madrid slip-ups. They also beat Sevilla, and by a score of 5-2. In the Champions League, after drawing away to Newcastle, they thrashed the English side at home 7-2.
The capital club finished eighth last time. This earned them a spot in the Conference League. There, the Spaniards confidently passed both qualification and the group stage. In the playoffs against Samsunspor, after a solid away win, they even lost 0-1 at home but progressed further. As expected, their domestic performance suffered, especially as infrastructural issues arose, and their match with Oviedo was even postponed. However, by spring they managed to move away from the relegation zone. Still, they only drew with Sevilla and Levante.
The champion is still in top form, averaging 2.75 goals scored per game, though conceding one per match as well. Their modest opponents from Madrid have managed only one goal scored and concede an average of 1.21 goals per game.
Previous Matches: Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona had three wins in a row. But in August, they settled for a 1-1 draw.
The champion is clearly superior. It is worth betting on their win with a -1.5 goal handicap (odds – 1.65).
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Key Statistics and Trends
Barcelona have won four consecutive La Liga matches
61% of Barcelona’s matches end with both teams scoring and an average total of 3.75 goals per match
Rayo Vallecano are unbeaten in six consecutive rounds
46% of Rayo Vallecano’s matches end with both teams scoring and an average total of 2.21 goals per match
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Probable Starting Lineups
Barcelona is expected to play a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Garcia – Balde, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Kounde – Olmo, Bernal, Fermin Lopez – Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Yamal. De Jong and Christensen will be unavailable.
Rayo Vallecano is expected to play a 1-4-5-1 formation (probable lineup): Batalla – Chavarria, Luis Felipe, Lejeune, Ratiu – Ciss, Unai Lopez, Alvaro Garcia, Diaz, Ahoamash – De Frutos. Only Mendez is questionable here.
