Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | LaLiga, February 17, 2025

Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Preview

• Competition: LaLiga.
• Date: Monday, February 17.
• Time: 8:00 PM GMT.
• Venue: Estadi Lluis Companys.

Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano will take place in the late kick-off slot in LaLiga on Monday, February 17 in matchday 24 at the Estadi Lluis Companys.

The hosts are third in the table currently with 48 points from 24 matches so far. With both Real and Atletico dropping points, a win could see them climb to the top on goal difference. Barcelona are in great touch of late and have won four of their last five matches, drawing one as well. In this run, they have scored 19 goals and conceded just four, keeping two clean sheets as well. They smashed Sevilla 4-1 away from home in their last outing.

Rayo, on the other hand, is a surprise sixth in the table with 35 points from 23 matches. They are currently in a Conference League spot for next season, with the Europa League spot just six points above them. Rayo Vallecano have won three of their last five matches, drawing one and losing one. In this run, they have scored six and conceded five, keeping two clean sheets. Last time’s 1-0 win against Real Valladolid is bound to increase their confidence.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news coming out from both camps.

Barcelona Team News

Manager Hansi Flick fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last match and they won 4-1 despite a frantic start and despite being down to 10 men. Ronald Araujo’s ankle injury means he will miss out, and Fermin Lopez’s straight red means he will miss out too.

Joining them are three other injured players. Marc-Andre ter Stegen (cruciate ligament), Andreas Christensen (foot) and Marc Bernal (cruciate ligament) will all miss out as they continue to recover.

Rayo Vallecano Team News

Manager Inigo Perez fielded a strong lineup as Rayo secured a narrow 1-0 win in their last match. Injuries to striker Sergio Camillo and midfielder Unai Lopez will be a cause for worry as the pair could be sidelined for a few weeks.

Joining them on the sidelines will be two other players. Raul de Tomas (illness) and Jonathan Montiel (ankle) will miss out as they continue to recover from their injuries.

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Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineups

Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny.

Defenders: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde.

Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi.

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha (C), Robert Lewandowski.

Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Augusto Batalla.

Defenders: Andrei Ratiu, Florian Lejeune, Abdul Mumin, Josep Chavarria.

Midfielders: Pedro Diaz, Ismaila Ciss, Isi Palazon (C).

Forwards: Jorge de Fructos, Alvaro Garcia, Sergi Guardiola.

Head-to-Head Record

These two teams have faced each other with fair regularity in the last few years in the league as well as in cup competitions. However, the head-to-head record is much closer than first expected. Barcelona have won two of their last five meetings, Rayo Vallecano has won one, and there have been two draws as well.

Date	Match	Competition
28/08/24	Rayo 1-2 Barca	LaLiga
19/05/24	Barca 3-0 Rayo	LaLiga
25/11/23	Rayo 1-1 Barca	LaLiga
27/04/23	Rayo 2-1 Barca	LaLiga
14/08/22	Barca 0-0 Rayo	LaLiga

Key Players to Watch

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

The Pole has been on fire for Barcelona this season and has racked up 21 goal involvements so far. That includes 19 goals at 19.28 xG, meaning he can still improve his efficiency in front of goal. His two assists have come from 1.14 xA, and he will look to continue contributing to his team’s cause in the same way.

Jorge de Frutos (Rayo Vallecano)

De Frutos has been a key player for Rayo Vallecano this season and has contributed four goals and three assists. His goals have come from 4.13 xG, meaning the player still has scope to improve his efficiency in the area. His assists have come from 1.98 xA, which is good but there is scope to still get better.

Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction

Recent head-to-heads and form guides can be cast aside for this one as one of Europe’s most in-form teams currently are the overwhelming favourites to win this. Due to home advantage, they may even keep a clean sheet with relative ease.

Prediction: Barcelona 4-0 Rayo Vallecano.

Where to watch Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano live?

Country	Where to Watch
USA	ESPN+
UK	Premier Sports
India	GXR
Spain	DAZN.

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