Match Preview: Rayo Vallecano vs FC Barcelona

Match Preview: The Catalans travel to Vallecano, where they have won on their last seven visits, in search of much-needed three points.  

FC Barcelona will travel to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday for their La Liga game after losing to Real Madrid in El Classico at the weekend. The visitors sit in 9th place while the hosts in 8th, having 15 points and 16 points respectively. Rayo also lost 3-2 to Real Betis at the weekend and will be looking to turn things around. 

Rayo tried to fight back against Betis, coming back from two goals down. Randy Nteka and Alvaro Garcia hit the back of the net, as William Jose’s penalty saw the greens take all three points in the game. Ivan Balliu was guilty of giving away the penalty that led to the winning goal for Betis. 

This was the third penalty conceded by the lad, but Andoni Iraola did not blame him. They have 16 points from a possible 30 this season, while Barcelona has a point less, having played a game more. Only Real Madrid (24) have amassed more goals than Vallecano (17) so far this term in La Liga. 

Sergio Aguero scored for Barcelona in the Clasico but that wasn’t enough to guarantee even a draw as Madrid scored two past them. A sitter missed by Dest in the first half will pinch the Catalans as it could have been a game-changer for them. Koeman pointed out that the chances needed to be taken and are not to be missed. That defeat represented Barca’s third loss from five in all tournaments, but the Catalan giants have come up trumps in their last 14 contests with Vallecano in all tournaments. 

Rayo Vallecano La Liga form: WWWLWL

Barcelona La Liga form: DDWLWL

Barcelona form (all competitions): WLLWWL

TEAM NEWS

Rayo Vallecano 

Martin Merquelanz is the only player out as he recovers from a knee injury.

FC Barcelona

De Jong, Pedri, Martin Braithwaite and Ronald Araujo are all out injured. 

Dembele is back with the group but isn’t on the squad list for this one. 

EXPECTED LINEUPS

Rayo Vallecano 

Dimitrievski; Balliu, Saveljich, Catena, F. Garcia; Lopez, Comesana; Palazon, Trejo, A. Garcia; Nteka

FC Barcelona

Ter Stegen; Mingueza, Pique, Garcia, Alba; Roberto, Busquets, Gavi; Dest, Aguero, Depay