FC Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Match preview | La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to clash against Rayo Vallecano at the Spotify Camp Nou for their next league fixture. A crucial encounter for La Blaugrana, it is one that could see them increase their lead at the top of the table to seven points temporarily if they win.

However, to ensure that they get a win here, Hansi Flick would have to deploy a team that is strong and reliable enough to do so. Fortunately, he has that kind of quality at his disposal, the kind that just recently humiliated Newcastle United in the very same stadium.

Match details:

Match overview:

Heading into this game, it is clear enough to see that the Catalan giants have found a unique sense of strength at their home ground. While they were solid at the Montjuic Stadium, it simply does not compare to the level of intimidation they possess at the Camp Nou.

Moreover, having drawn their first encounter against Rayo Vallecano away from home this season in La Liga, this is their chance to get their revenge as well. Three crucial points might be at stake, but a win here would be a statement as well.

A statement that would confirm that this team is not the same side that struggled to find their footing during the first half of the campaign, and has instead now evolved into something better. Fortunately, the team’s form reflects that quite well as it is.

Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

Across their last five games, this team has won four matches and has one draw against Newcastle United in their first leg at St James’ Park. Apart from that, they have defeated the likes of Athletic Club, Atletico Madrid, Newcastle United, and Sevilla.

Beyond just being impressive in terms of their holistic performances, the numbers speak for themselves as well for Barcelona. Across those five games, they have scored 17 goals and have conceded just five goals in return.

Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, have won two of their last five games, while the other three have seen them draw twice and lose once as well. Not a great record, but one that shows that this team can hold their own if they need to.

As for their goal-based statistics, they have scored 8 goals and have conceded four goals in return. Not crazy numbers, but enough to show that they are a dangerous team that should not be underestimated by Barcelona despite the fact they are currently sitting in 14th place in the league.