Rayo Vallecano – Barcelona : Preview & Prediction
Rayo Vallecano, whose results in the second half of the season have left much to be desired, took another step backwards in their European aspirations with a 2-1 defeat at Real Sociedad. “We have to get more points to fight against teams like Real, but for that you can’t make mistakes,” said Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola. The franjirrojos, who are in ninth place, seven points off the European zone after 30 games, have just one win in ten league games (G1, E5, P4), but can still equal or even surpass the eighth place they finished in LL 2012-13 (53 points), their best-ever campaign in the top flight.
Getting back on track against FC Barcelona is a major challenge, but Rayo faces it with the confidence that comes from having three games in a row (G2, E1) against the current leaders of LaLiga Santander (LL), their longest unbeaten streak against the Azulgranas in the Primera División. Iraola’s side, who have lost just one of their last six matches in Vallecas (G2, E3, P1), are looking to set a new record in their meetings with one of the giants of Spanish soccer.
Barça have been far from their best in recent weeks, but thanks to a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday, the Azulgranas are closer to their 27th league title. Xavi’s side, who ended a run of three competitive matches without scoring (E2, P1), hold an 11-point lead at the top going into today’s matchday having kept a 23rd clean sheet in the league. One of those 23 clean sheets was recorded against Rayo in August (0-0).
Xavi will hope that the win over Atleti will serve as a springboard for improved performances in the remaining rounds, but considering the defensive solidity combined with his team’s poor offensive output in recent weeks, undoing the 0-0 scoreline could be crucial in Vallecas: five of Barça’s previous eight away games in LL (G6, E1, P1) have ended 1-0 (G4, P1).
Players to watch: Sergio Camello, on loan from Atletico Madrid, could be the one to put Rayo ahead; four of the young Madrid striker’s five goals in LL 2022-23 have opened his team’s scoring account. For Barça, Ferran Torres scored the winner against Atleti and is looking to make it two league games on target for the first time in over a year.
Key statistic: At the start of Matchday 31, B
Rayo Vallecano – Barcelona : Betting Tips
Barcelona – Win Odds: 1.70
