Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona Predictions & Match Preview

Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona

Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona predictions and match preview for Wednesday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as Xavi’s team travels to Madrid.

DateWednesday 26th April 2023
Kick-Off22:00 (CEST)
StadiumVallecas
CompetitionLaLiga

Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona Preview


Andoni Iraola and Rayo

Barcelona travel to Vallecas for a Wednesday night game in LaLiga with three points the target as they seek to edge closer to the title. While they are clear favourites for this match, Barça have found Rayo Vallecano really difficult opposition in recent years and could be in for a tough night.

Rayo will certainly take confidence from having kept clean sheets in all three meetings with the Catalan club since they won promotion in 2021. They did the double over Barcelona last season with two 1-0 wins and left Camp Nou with a goalless draw on the opening weekend of the 2022/23 campaign. While it’s true that Xavi’s side have improved since those matches, Rayo will certainly back themselves to be competitive again here.

They could do with upsetting Barcelona again if they want to remain in serious contention for European qualification. Rayo have won just 1 of their last 10 in LaLiga and while that solitary victory did come in their last home outing, they were beaten at the weekend with Florian Lejeune’s late own goal denying them a point in Donostia against Real Sociedad.

Barcelona haven’t been on top of their game either but we saw a more convincing performance from them on Sunday as they defeated 3rd placed Atletico Madrid 1-0 at Camp Nou. Ferran Torres was the match winner with a cool finish from the edge of the area to end a run of three games without a goal in all competitions for Xavi’s side.

That match also saw Barcelona welcome Frenkie de Jong and Pedri back into the fold and that’s a timely boost which should help them show more creativity in upcoming matches. While the destiny of the title race is not in doubt, Barcelona fans will be looking for their team to finish the season with a bit of a flourish rather than by merely stumbling towards the finish line which has looked a more likely scenario in recent weeks.


Team News & Possible Lineups


Rayo Vallecano

INJUREDFalcao
DOUBTFUL
BANNEDComesaña

Possible XI: Dimitrievski – Fran Garcia, Catena, Lejeune, Balliu – Ciss, Valentin – Alvaro Garcia, Trejo, Isi – Camello (4-2-3-1)

Coach: Andoni Iraola

Barcelona

INJUREDRoberto
DOUBTFULChristensen, Dembele
BANNEDBusquets

Possible XI: Ter Stegen – Alba, Eric Garcia, Araujo, Kounde – De Jong, Gavi, Pedri – Ferran, Lewandowski, Raphinha (4-3-3)

Coach: Xavi


Score Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Barcelona


While Andoni Iraola’s Rayo Vallecano are known for a positive and at times risky approach to football, they’ve also shown an ability to be compact and defend well in previous matches against this opposition. This has the potential to be another frustrating night for Xavi’s team who haven’t been scoring freely of late and they may struggle to leave Vallecas with more than a point.

Check out the latest football odds in La Liga for this game and other upcoming matches in the Spanish top flight.


PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.

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About Mark Sochon 2033 Articles
Mark is a freelance writer based in Madrid. He has been writing about Spanish football since 2014 and regularly attends and covers matches across Spain. His work has also been published by various newspapers and websites including These Football Times, World Soccer and Guardian Sport. Available for freelance work: marksochon (at) hotmail.co.uk