Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Barcelona are marching towards the league title once again as the Blaugrana welcome a potentially fatigued Rayo Vallecano to Camp Nou in Catalonia.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Barcelona preview: Impressive Barca
After a tricky opening match and a half, Barcelona eventually ran riot against Newcastle United in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League in midweek, winning the second-leg by seven goals to two against the English outfit at Camp Nou.
Hansi Flick’s side have won every game since the club returned to Camp Nou in the autumn of 2025 and they are marching towards the defence of the Spanish title this spring.
Rayo Vallecano preview: Laboured Rayo
Rayo Vallecano have played twice since last weekend, with a Monday night clash against struggling Levante seeing them snatch a point deep into second-half stoppage-time.
Inigo Perez’ side then moved into the quarter-finals of European competition for the first time ever with a 3-2 aggregate win over Samsunspor, having lost 1-0 in the second-leg of that UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 tie the other day.
Barcelona team news: Eric Garcia a doubt
Eric Garcia has been very impressive throughout this season but he is now a doubt due to a hamstring injury. Jules Kounde, Alex Balde and Frenkie de Jong all also have hamstring issues.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Joao Cancelo, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Cancelo; Pedri, Marc Bernal; Bardghji, Dani Olmo, Rashford; Ferran Torres
Unavailable: Christensen (Injured), Kounde (Injured), Alex Balde (Injured), De Jong (Injured)
Questionable: Eric Garcia (Injured)
Rayo Vallecano team news: Mendy suspended
Nobel Mendy is missing through suspension for Rayo this weekend, while winter window signing Ilias Akhomach, on loan from Villarreal, is a doubt due to an ankle issue.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Augusto Batalla; Balliu, Lejeune, Luiz Felipe, Alfonso Espino; Gerard Gumbau, Oscar Valentin, Pablo Diaz; Jorge de Frutos, Alemao, Fran Perez
Unavailable: Mendy (Suspended)
Questionable: Akhomach (Injured)
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano prediction
Rayo appear comfortably safe from relegation to the second-tier, despite the chaos of the club behind the scenes, and can begin to prioritise, both mentally and physically, their European run. Barcelona begin the match day four points clear of Real Madrid at the top-of-the-table and with the chance to extend that to seven ahead of the Madrid derby on Sunday night. A heavy home win is to be expected.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano tip: Barcelona to win -2 handicap
