Overview
Rayo Vallecano can lose to any opponent, but always knows how to make things difficult for Barcelona. The Madrid team has been the Blaugrana's nemesis in recent years.
They are unbeaten against Barcelona at home in 3 consecutive matches, including 2 wins. In the last encounter in La Liga, Rayo Vallecano held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, Barca will be very determined to end the series of bad results in Vallecas. Last weekend, coach Hansi Flick's team struggled to defeat Athletic Bilbao 2-1. Notably, striker Robert Lewandowski is having an impressive start to the season with 3 goals in 2 matches.
On the other side of the front line, Rayo Vallecano shared points against Getafe in a goalless draw.
Confrontation achievements
In all competitions, Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona met a total of 45 times in history. The achievement is in favor of Barca with 28 wins compared to the opponent's 7 and the remaining 10 draws.
4/5 of Rayo Vallecano's last matches saw less than 2 goals. They have scored in 3 of the last 5 matches (including friendly matches).
In Rayo Vallecano's last 9 home matches, 7 matches ended with less than 3 goals.
Barcelona's away form is quite impressive, as they have only lost 2 of their last 10 matches, including friendly matches. Girona and Real Madrid were the only two teams that could beat Barcelona at home last season.
Personnel situation
Although there are not too many injury concerns, Rayo Vallecano will likely still change the starting lineup.
Isi Palazon can replace Oscar Trejo in the "number 10" position, while Sergio Camello plays as the central striker.
On the other side of the front line, 5 Barcelona players are sidelined due to injury. However, there is good news for Flick when rookie Dani Olmo has been successfully registered.
Fermin Lopez, EURO 2024 and Olympic 2024 champion, could be given the chance to play from the start.
Expected lineup:
Rayo Vallecano : Cardenas, Balliu, Lejeune, Mumin, Espino, Valentin, Ciss, De Frutos, Palazon, Embarba, Camello.
Barcelona : Ter Stegen, Kounde, Cubarsi, I. Martinez, Balde, Bernal, Pedri, Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
The match between Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona takes place at 2:30 a.m. on August 28 (Vietnam time).
