Overview
Barcelona is having an impressive start to the season with two wins in the first two rounds, scoring 7 goals and not conceding any goals. After a 5-0 victory over Elche, the Catalan team continued to defeat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home. Raphinha opened the score in the 37th minute before Fermin Lopez sealed the victory in the 82nd minute.
This result helps Barcelona extend their home unbeaten streak in La Liga to 20 consecutive matches. Notably, this achievement also helps Hansi Flick become Barcelona's first coach in the 21st century to have at least 20 consecutive home unbeaten matches in the domestic league.
Currently leading the La Liga table in the early stages of the season, Barcelona has a basis to aim for the next victory when welcoming Rayo Vallecano. The head-to-head record at Camp Nou is also supporting the home team as Barcelona has not let Rayo score in the last 4 receptions, including three wins.
The last time the two teams met was in March last year. Ronald Araujo scored a header from a corner kick, helping Barcelona win a minimal 1-0 victory. Rayo's early season results show that they will face a very big challenge if they want to end their unfavorable streak against Barcelona.
Rayo Vallecano just got one point after the first two rounds under coach Benat San Jose. In the opening match, they lost to Sevilla 1-2 even though the opponent was only 10 on the field. After that, Rayo drew with Alaves 1-1 in a match they had to play at Butarque Stadium in Leganes instead of Vallecas home ground.
They had to leave Vallecas after the stadium was suspended from use due to safety issues. This is becoming a problem that is significantly affecting Rayo, as some players, including Sergio Camello, have publicly spoken out about this situation.
The insecurity about the venues for home matches risks affecting Rayo's stability in the new season. This is even more noteworthy as they finished eighth last season and are aiming to compete for a European cup spot.
However, the away trip to Camp Nou will be a real test of Rayo's competitiveness against a Barcelona that is in very high form.
Personnel situation
Rodri made his Barcelona debut when he came on as a substitute in the match against Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish midfielder is likely to be given the opportunity to start for the first time by Hansi Flick in the match against Rayo Vallecano.
In attack, Raphinha is in high form with 3 goals after the first 2 matches of the season, while Fermin Lopez has also scored 3 times.
On Rayo Vallecano's side, the personnel situation is much more worrying. Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla has to be sidelined after breaking his leg in the match against Alaves. This injury forces coach Benat San Jose to urgently find a replacement before the transfer window closes.
Expected lineup:
J. Garcia, E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin, Espart, Rodri, Pedri, Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha, Gordon.
Rayo Vallecano: Cardenas, Vertrouwd, Fernandez, Lejeune, Ratiu, Lopez, Diaz, Valentin, Perez, Camello, De Frutos.
The match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano takes place at 2:30 AM on September 1st (Vietnam time).
