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Spotify Camp Nou will host a La Liga Round 3 clash between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
The hosts have kicked off their title defence with back-to-back wins and will look to maintain their perfect start.
Rayo Vallecano, meanwhile, will have their sights set on earning their first win of the campaign.
Read our Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano key stats
- Barcelona are unbeaten in their last six clashes with Rayo Vallecano.
- Five of Rayo Vallecano's last six matches went above the 2.5-goal mark.
- At least five cards were awarded in eight of the last nine H2Hs.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano preview: Barcelona's dominance to continue?
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano — Tale of the Tape
| Barcelona | vs | Rayo Vallecano |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Position | 14th |
| A | Points | B |
| 7 | Goals For | 2 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 3 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 6th | Home / Away Rank | 15th |
*These figures were accurate at the time of publishing.
Barcelona followed their opening 5-0 victory at Elche with a 2-0 home win against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. They have now won four matches in a row, scoring 14 goals during that stretch.
Including their perfect home record in La Liga last season, Hansi Flick's side have won 20 consecutive top-flight fixtures at home.
The German head coach will be without long-term absentee Roony Bardghji, who is sidelined after undergoing surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Frenkie de Jong is ruled out until October with a meniscus injury. The Dutch international suffered the problem in a training session in July, while Gavi, who was forced off with a fresh knee injury during the Blaugrana’s opening game, will be out of action until at least the first week of September.
Raphinha has been directly involved in four of Barcelona's seven goals this season and is expected to lead the line once again. The Brazilian is currently on a three-game scoring streak across all competitions – his joint-longest since November 2022.
On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano are coming off a 1-1 draw with Deportivo Alaves.
Despite leading for most of the second half, they were unable to hold on for the win, eventually conceding the equaliser with only six minutes left on the clock.
On top of that, first-choice goalkeeper Augusto Batalla suffered a fractured tibia after a heavy collision during that game and will be unavailable until January, with Daniel Cardenas expected to start between the sticks on Monday night.
Luiz Felipe is also ruled out of this trip, with the defender nursing a hamstring strain, while veteran midfielder Isi Palazon is doubtful due to muscular discomfort.
Interestingly, Rayo Vallecano have held their own against Barcelona in recent years, having won three of the last 10 clashes between these sides (D3, L4).
In fact, the visitors have lost only one of the last 11 H2Hs by more than a one-goal margin, although they are winless in their last six skirmishes with the Blaugrana.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano form guide & betting tips
| Barcelona | vs | Rayo Vallecano |
|---|---|---|
W
W
|
La Liga Form |
L
D
|
| 6 | Points | 1 |
| 3rd | Form Table | 14th |
| 7 | Goals For | 2 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 3 |
L
W
W
W
W
|
Form (All Comps) |
L
W
L
L
D
|
Whispers Predicts: Barcelona 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
At 1/5 (1.20), Barcelona are clearly favoured by the bookmakers ahead of this clash.
However, the hosts' last three victories over Rayo Vallecano were by one-goal margins, and while this will likely be business as usual for the Catalan giants, Rayo should be able to keep it close.
Both teams found the net in five of Rayo Vallecano's last six fixtures, and this is currently priced at 19/20 (1.95).
We also fancy
under 3.5 total goals at 21/20 (2.05). The last 11 H2Hs have all gone below this line.
> Under 2.5 total goals at 21/20 (2.05) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Probable
> HT/FT: Draw/Barcelona at 17/5 (4.40) | Likelihood: Possible
> Barcelona & BTTS – Yes at 27/20 (2.35) | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct Score: 2-1 at 10/1 (11.00) | Likelihood: Outsider