Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona

Runaway La Liga leaders Barcelona head to the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas to meet mid-table underachievers Rayo Vallecano.

Rayo Vallecano’s pursuit of securing European qualification next season suffered another blow as they spurned a 1-0 second-half lead in a 2-1 defeat at Real Sociedad at the weekend, making it one win in their last ten La Liga outings (D5, L4). Andoni Iraola’s men held Barcelona to a scoreless draw in the reverse fixture on the opening weekend, extending their unbeaten league streak against the ‘Blaugrana’ to three straight matches (W2, D1), all of which saw them keep a clean sheet! Against this backdrop, high scoring has been a common theme in Vallecano’s recent league games, as four of their last five matches in the competition have seen over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring. ‘Los Franjirrojos’ wouldn’t mind a less attractive contest if that can allow them to win back-to-back home league outings for the first time in 2023.

Following Real Madrid’s woeful 4-2 defeat at Girona, Barcelona could go 14 points clear at the La Liga summit and all but secure their first league title since 2018/19. After successive scoreless draws against Girona and Getafe, the ‘Blaugrana’ returned to winning ways in La Liga with a hard-earned 1-0 home victory over bitter rivals Atletico Madrid. That result means six of Barcelona’s last eight league matches have featured under 1.5 goals, highlighting the potential for a cagey, low-scoring contest. Xavi Hernandez won’t care much about entertainment as he looks to guide his side to a ninth victory in their last 11 La Liga visits to teams from Comunidad de Madrid (D2, L1). Since his men have kept a clean sheet on all three league travels since the start of March (W2, D1), the Spaniard will be confident about fulfilling that goal.