The Matchday 24 clash in La Liga between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano will take place on February 17 at the Olympic Stadium named after Lluís Companys. Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Barcelona
The club enters this match on a three-game winning streak in the league. The Catalans secured home victories against Valencia (7-1) and Alaves (1-0), and in the previous round, they thrashed Sevilla 4-1 away. After a disappointing December and January, the team is gradually returning to the La Liga title race: before this round, they trail Real Madrid by two points and Atletico by one. Notably, Hans Flick's side leads the league in goals scored with 64.
Due to injuries, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, defender Andreas Christensen, and midfielder Marc Bernal are unavailable. Midfielder Fermin Lopez will miss the match due to suspension.
- The number "1" has appeared in the final score of the last six matches for the Catalans in La Liga.
- At least three goals have been scored in 12 of Barcelona's last 16 league games.
- The club's uncompromising home run in La Liga stretches to 16 matches (13 wins and 3 losses).
Predicted lineup for Barcelona (4-3-3)
Wojciech Szczesny – Inigo Martinez, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Alex Balde – Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi – Lamine Yamal, Raphinha Dias, Robert Lewandowski.
Rayo Vallecano
The Madrid side is unbeaten in nine league matches (5 wins and 4 draws). In the last three encounters, the club secured victories: at home against Girona (2-1) and Valladolid (1-0), and away against Leganes (1-0). This run has propelled them to a high sixth place in the standings.
Midfielders Jonathan Montiel and Unai Lopez, forwards Sergio Camello and Raul de Tomas will miss the game due to injuries.
- The number "1" has appeared in the final score of Rayo Vallecano's last seven league games.
- No more than three goals have been scored in Rayo's last seven La Liga matches.
- A draw was the result at halftime in 6 of the club's last 8 league games.
Predicted lineup for Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1)
Augusto Batalla – Florian Lejeune, Andrei Ratiu, Pep Chavarria, Abdul Mumin – Pathé Ciss, Unai Lopez – Jorge de Frutos, Isi Palazon, Alvaro Garcia – Sergio Camello.
Referee
Mario Melero Lopez (Spain)
Matches – 11 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 39;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 36%.
Barcelona vs. Rayo Vallecano: Match Prediction
In the current championship, the Madrid side has suffered only six defeats. Five of those losses were by a one-goal margin, and only once did they lose by two goals. Overcoming this solid and cohesive club is no easy task, so I believe the Catalans may not be able to thrash Rayo Vallecano. Additionally, the capital team has not lost by two or more goals in their last 12 away La Liga matches.
Barcelona, on the other hand, has only managed to thrash Valencia in their last six home league games, and they have won by a two-goal margin just once. Furthermore, in the last nine head-to-head league encounters, Rayo Vallecano has only suffered one heavy defeat. Therefore, I suggest the prediction "Rayo Vallecano with a handicap (+2)".
