Match preview for Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona return to La Liga action on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Rayo Vallecano to Camp Nou.
The Catalan side currently sit four points clear at the top of the table, while Rayo occupy 13th position and remain six points above the relegation zone.
Barcelona have the opportunity to extend their advantage at the summit before Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid later in the evening. Victory here would move them seven points clear, applying significant pressure on their closest challengers.
Hansi Flick’s side come into the match in outstanding form, having secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a dominant 7-2 win over Newcastle in midweek.
That result continued an impressive run across all competitions, with Barcelona now winning four of their last five La Liga matches as they maintain their push for domestic and European success.
Their league form this season has been particularly strong. Barcelona have recorded 23 wins from 28 matches, scoring 77 goals in the process.
Rayo Vallecano arrive in decent form of their own. Despite a 1-0 defeat to Samsunspor in the Conference League during the week, they progressed to the quarter-finals with a 3-2 aggregate win.
Team news for Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona remain without several key players due to injury.
Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong are all expected to miss out.
However, Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia are both likely to be available despite picking up issues in the midweek win over Newcastle.
There could be some rotation following that European fixture, with Ferran Torres, Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo all pushing for inclusion, although Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Raphinha are expected to continue in attacking roles behind Robert Lewandowski.
Rayo Vallecano will be without Nobel Mendy, who is suspended following his red card against Levante.
Diego Mendez remains sidelined through injury, but there are no additional concerns from their recent European outing.
Expected line-ups for Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona: J Garcia; Cancelo, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Martin; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Ratiu, Balliu, Lejeune, Pacha; Gumbau, Ciss; De Frutos, Diaz, A Garcia; Alemao
Where to watch Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano: TV channel, online stream
The match will be broadcast live on Viaplay Sports.
Fans can also stream the game online via the Viaplay platform with a valid subscription.
Kickoff at Camp Nou is scheduled for 13:00pm GMT on Sunday.
The stats for Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano
- Barcelona have won 23 of their 28 La Liga matches this season
- The Catalan side have scored 77 league goals this term
- Barcelona have won 30 of their previous 48 meetings with Rayo Vallecano
- The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 1-1
- Rayo Vallecano are unbeaten in their last six La Liga matches
Prediction for Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona
3
–
1
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano could pose problems, but Barcelona’s attacking quality and current form should prove too much for their opponents. The hosts are expected to secure another important win in their push to retain the title.https://x.com/FCBarcelona/status/2035009374016372924
