Rayo Vallecano takes on the difficult Catalan challenge on the 27th of August at Estadio de Vallecas in a can’t-miss La Liga showdown.
The visitors come into the match with two victories in their opening two domestic league games. Robert Lewandowski has been on fire for his team so far, but will he be able to keep it going for a third consecutive league outing?
After all, Rayo Vallecano are no joke! They didn’t lose either one of their two matches. With four points acquired throughout two league games, the hosts are undoubtedly calculating the chances of chipping points out of Barcelona on the 27th of August.
How the bookies view it: Three for three for Barca
As it stands, Barcelona are the bookies’ expected winners, with odds priced at 7/10. Coach Hansi Flick’s boys shouldn’t have too many issues securing the three points at Estadio de Vallecas, according to the bookmakers.
In the meantime, Rayo Vallecano’s odds are valued at 15/4, which, understandably, makes them the underdogs in this race. Therefore, we trust that the Catalan giants will take home the basket full of points.
Recent head-to-head: Barcelona dominates the rivalry
One of the key factors behind Rayo Vallecano’s odds for this match is the fact that coach Inigo Perez’s team has suffered five defeats in the last 10 games against this opponent. The manager lost his only official game against Barcelona on the 19th of May.
Yes, if you look at only the latest couple of games between the two teams – Vallecano have the advantage. However, Barcelona’s 3-0 win in the last official head-to-head could be used as a stepping stone to greater things by the Catalan team.
Players to watch: Another goal bonanza by Lewandowski ahead
Only two La Liga fixtures have passed, but they were enough for Robert Lewandowski to climb to the top of the goalscoring charts. You have to give it to him, he promised more goals in the 2024/25 campaign and so far, he is delivering on that promise, with three goals to his name in the opening games for Barcelona. It seems that the Polish veteran is going to be Mbappe’s key contender for the Top Goalscorer Award in La Liga this season and we expect him to do well against Rayo Vallecano.
Moreover, much can be expected of Sergio Camello as well. He scored a goal for Rayo Vallecano in one of the two games. Surely, there will be a spot among the starters for him.
Predicted line-ups
Sadly, coach Flick won’t be able to utilize many of his key performers. At the back, there’s a Ronald Araujo-shaped hole that is currently being filled by youngster Cubarsi. And the 17-year-old starlet is doing a fine job.
Andreas Christensen is another Barcelona player who is injured and won’t be able to partake in this thrilling La Liga match.
Rayo Vallecano: Cardenas – Balliu, Lejeune, Mumin, Espino – Ciss, Valentin, Trejo – Embarba, de Frutos & Nteka
Barcelona: ter Stegen – Kounde, Balde, Martinez, Cubarsi – Bernal, Pedri, Raphinha – Torres, Yamal & Lewandowski
Anything else catch the eye?
Barca’s chief goalscorer is at his lethal best this season, scoring three goals. We believe that Robert Lewandowski to score anytime is a good move you could make here, as he will be among the starters for coach Flick on the 27th of August.
This La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona will be played on Aug 27, 2024 and kick off at 20:30. Check below for our tipsters best Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
