Barcelona are pursuing a third straight victory at the start of the La Liga 2024/25 season against unbeaten Rayo Vallecano in their first-midweek fixture.
RVL vs BAR Match Details
Date: Tuesday, 27 August 2024 / Wednesday, 28 August 2024
Time: 21:30 (CET), 01:00 (IST)
Venue: Estadio de Vallecas, Madrid
RVL vs BAR Match Preview
Rayo Vallecano had made an impressive start to the new La Liga season collecting four points from the opening two games away from home. Inigo Perez's side began with a sensational 2-1 win against Europa League contingent Real Sociedad and then played a goalless draw against Getafe this past weekend. For a team that finished just above the relegation zone last season, the start is positive but they will face the first major test of the current campaign as they welcome heavyweights FC Barcelona in their first home match. With another Catalan outfit in Espanyol to face, who are struggling with no points in the bag, Rayo must ensure they prevent a major setback in the game by restricting their opposition on Tuesday night. The team has a good track record in this fixture losing just once in the last six fixtures and not conceding any defeat at home since 2021. They have also stayed unbeaten in the previous three games at Vallecas, including two wins, against the Catalan giants.
Barcelona needs to be aware of not falling on the wrong end of the result in this meeting after a strong start with back-to-back 2-1 wins against Valencia in the league opener and Athletic Club at home. Once again star striker Robert Lewandowski claimed the winner, his third strike in two matches, after Euro 2024 Best Young Player awardee Lamine Yamal’s 24th-minute lead was cancelled by Oihan Sanchet’s equaliser from the spot later in the first half. The team is still getting used to Hansi Flick's tactics but being on the verge of collecting nine points from the first three games should delight the manager. While the off-field issue regarding registration of new star signing Dani Olmo remains, the team wants to focus on the task ahead and overturn their dismal away record against Rayo Vallecano. With Real Valladolid at home to face before the international break, Barcelona are licking their lips at the prospect of an early winning streak and keeping holders Real Madrid under pressure.
RVL vs BAR Team News
Andrei Ratiu misses out for Rayo Vallecano again while Barcelona are without the services of Andreas Christensen, Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi.
RVL vs BAR Predicted Lineups
Rayo Vallecano
Cardenas; Balliu, Lejeune, Mumin, Espino; Valentin, Ciss; De Frutos, Palazon, Embarba; Camello
FC Barcelona
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, F Torres; Lewandowski
RVL vs BAR Dream11 Match Prediction
Barcelona's form should get them past Rayo Vallecano's challenge on the away trip this time. We expect Hansi Flick's side to win by the same margin as the other matches, 2-1.
RVL vs BAR Dream11 Top picks
Captain Pick: Robert Lewandowski
Vice-captain Picks: Lamine Yamal
RVL vs BAR Dream11 Team Suggestion
GK: Cardenas (Cr - 7)
DEF: Kounde (Cr - 8.5), Lejeune (Cr - 8.5), Balde (Cr - 7.5)
MID: Yamal (Cr - 9), Pedri (Cr - 8.5), Palazon (Cr - 8), Raphinha (Cr - 8.5),
FW: Torres (Cr - 7.5), Lewandowski (Cr - 9), Camello (Cr - 7)
Vice-captain: Lamine Yamal
Captain: Robert Lewandowski
