Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona

Campo de Futbol de Vallecas is the venue as Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona square off in a traditionally awkward fixture for the defending La Liga champions.

Despite breaking the deadlock in the fifth minute, Rayo Vallecano gave up their longest unbeaten run in La Liga (W2, D5) last time out, going down 2-1 at home to unexpected leaders Girona. But after only losing three of their opening 13 league matches in 2022/23 (W4, D6), the hosts start this round in tenth, only four points adrift of the European spots and 11 clear of the relegation zone. Surprisingly, a raucous Campo de Futbol de Vallecas atmosphere doesn’t have much to do with Vallecano’s decent league start, as they’ve only won one of their six top-flight home outings (D3, L2), contributing to only a third of their La Liga points total (6/18). At first glance, you’d say Barcelona’s upcoming visit would pile more misery on Vallecano’s home struggles, yet you’d be mistaken.

Whether it’s about Stole Dimitrievski’s Godlike performances between the sticks or a stroke of bad luck, Barcelona had gone three consecutive La Liga meetings with Vallecano without scoring (D1, L2) before going down 2-1 in this corresponding fixture last term. Alternating between winning (3) and losing (2) in five competitive games in the build-up to this trip cannot inspire much confidence inside the Barcelona camp. But coming from behind to beat Deportivo Alaves 2-1 at home last time out might. Still stuck four points below Girona, Xavi Hernandez’s men must improve on the road despite going unbeaten on all six La Liga travels this season. Half of those trips ended as a draw (W3, L3), with the ‘Blaugrana’ failing to keep a clean sheet on four of their last five.