The league leaders are back in action as they travel midweek to Vallecas in a bid to move closer to the La Liga title. Xavi's men were able to get back to winning ways this past weekend with another 1-0 win (their 10th in La Liga and 17th in all competitions this season) against Atlético Madrid, which, according to many, was their most difficult fixture left. This time, the match winner came from the boots of Ferran Torres. That victory, coupled with Real Madrid's loss to Girona yesterday, should serve as a confidence booster as they prepare to do battle with a team they've failed to beat since early 2021 in the Copa del Rey and 2019 in La Liga.
Rayo Vallecano, who finished 12th last season after gaining promotion to the top flight, are well on course to do better this season as they currently sit at 10th, 7 points behind 6th placed Villarreal. Their best finish however, remains 8th (12/13). They started the season well, with their opener against Barcelona ending goalless. 2023 however, has seen them take a bit of a slump, winning one of their last 10 games. Their head-to-head against Barcelona in recent times will give them confidence, but it's going to be much difficult to get a result against the vibrant Catalans this time around. One thing that's for sure though, is that they'll try till the final whistle.
INTERESTING STATS
- Barcelona have the best defence in the league, having conceded only nine goals so far.
- As far as the attack is concerned, Barcelona have the second-best attack, having scored 54 goals.
- Rayo Vallecano have an interesting record this season; they have won ten, lost ten and drawn ten out of their 30 matches.
- Barcelona have a good recent record against Rayo Vallecano and have won 15 out of the last 24 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Rayo Vallecano's four victories.
- Rayo Vallecano are unbeaten in their last three matches against Barcelona in La Liga and have kept clean sheets in each of these matches.
- Rayo Vallecano have won only one of their last five matches played on a Wednesday in La Liga but did secure a victory in such a game against Barcelona in October 2021
- Barcelona have only lost twice in the league all season long.
- Robert Lewandowski has scored 17 goals and has six assists for Barcelona in the league.
Last five meetings
2019 (Liga) Barça 3-1 Rayo
2021 (CDR) Rayo 1-2 Barça
2021 (Liga) Rayo 1-0 Barça
2022 (Liga) Barça 0-1 Rayo
2022 (Liga) Barça 0-0 Rayo
TEAM NEWS
Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona will be glad that Radamel Falcao, who has netted against the Catalans 4 times in 6 previous meetings, will be unavailable due to a muscle injury. Santi Comensaña is also ruled out due to suspension. Alvaro Garcia and Alejandro Catena however, have served theirs and will return to the starting XI.
Stole Dimitrievski will be in goal. Ivan Balliu and Fran Garcia will be the full-backs. Florian Lejeune will pair up with Alejandro Catena in the heart of the defence. Pathe Ciss will join Oscar Valentin to form the double pivot behind the trio of Isi Palazon, Oscar Trejo and Alvaro Garcia, while Sergio Camello will likely be picked ahead of Raul DeTomas as the striker.
Barcelona
The Blaugrana remain without Dembele, Christensen and Roberto due to injuries, although the former two should be returning against Real Betis over the weekend. Sergio Busquets will not travel to Madrid with the squad due to accumulation of yellow cards.
TerStegen will be in goal, with Koundé, Araujo, Alonso and Balde as the defense. Pedri and Frenkie DeJong were sorely missed, as eveidenced by their glorious return against Atlético Madrid and are expected to walk right into the midfield, alongside Gavi and probably Franck Kessie, even though Eric Garcia could be an option. Should Xavi decide to go with a 4-3-3 rather than a 4-4-2, Raphinha and Lewandowski will anchor the attack alongside one of Ferran Torres/Ansu Fati.
Where and when are Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona playing?
Location: Madrid, Spain
Stadium: Estadio de Vallecas
Date: Wednesday 26 April
Kick-off Time: 21:00 BST / 16:00 ET / 13:00 PT.
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano
VAR: José Luis González González
Rayo Vallecano are known to be fearless at all times and will always fancy their chances of a victory, no matter the opposition. Their recent form may not be encouraging, but they can't be taken lightly. Barcelona will know that, and with the league title in sight, along with personal pride, the Catalans will be desperate to win this one.
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