Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano
The 24th matchday of the 2024-25 campaign might be a turning point in the three-way La Liga battle between Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona. Real Madrid remain on top of the food chain, while Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are right behind them, and only two points separate these three sides.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have winnable matches against Osasuna and Celta Vigo. Meanwhile, Barcelona have a tougher tie against Rayo Vallecano this Monday evening at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
Barcelona extended their unbeaten run to four games after winning against Sevilla last weekend. On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano improved to sixth in the Spanish top-flight table with 35 points after going undefeated in their previous nine league matches. Hansi Flick’s men must stop Rayo Vallecano’s unbeaten run, but it’ll be easier said than done.
Talking Points
Barcelona lose key defender and youngster
Barcelona secured a convincing 4-1 win over Sevilla. But it came at a cost, as Ronald Araujo and Fermin Lopez will be on the sidelines on Monday, joining Marc-Andre ter Stegen (knee), Marc Bernal (knee), and Andreas Christensen (calf).
Araujo had to leave the game early after sustaining an ankle injury during the 22nd minute. Pau Cubarsi replaced him in the centre-half, and the 18-year-old defender will likely start again versus Rayo Vallecano. Lopez, who scored the Blaugrana’s second goal in the 46th minute, must serve his suspension after getting a straight red card for his reckless tackle on Djibril Sow two minutes after the hour mark.
Despite Araujo and Lopez’s absences, Barcelona still have enough depth to beat Rayo Vallecano. As mentioned, Pau Cubarsi is expected to link up with Inigo Martinez in the centre-half, with Jules Kounde and Alex Balde as their full-backs. Gavi or Dani Olmo will likely take Lopez’s No. 10 spot in the lineup.
The Blaugrana boast the league’s best attack with 64 goals and counting, so Los Franjirrojos will have their work cut out for them. It’s their highest tally at this stage of a campaign in the competition since 2014-15 (67).
Teamwork makes the dream work for Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano’s European dreams are alive because they’ve been a well-drilled side under manager Inigo Perez. They may not be as prolific as Barcelona in the final third, but they’re getting the job done. Los Franjirrojos haven’t lost a league game since a 2-1 result against Athletic Bilbao last December 2.
Rayo Vallecano have several players who can score goals, making them unpredictable. Their top scorer is Jorge de Frutos with four league goals and three assists. Isi Palazon, Sergio Camello, Alvaro Garcia, Unai Lopez, and Randy Nteka have three league goals each, and Abdul Mumin and Pathe Ciss have two league goals each.
Augusto Batalla deserves a shoutout for his solid loan stint with Los Franjirrojos. Rayo Vallecano are reportedly keen on keeping the 28-year-old goalkeeper permanently this summer.
History
Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano have already met earlier this season. The Blaugrana won 2-1 at the Vallecas Stadium last August, as Pedri and Dani Olmo’s second-half goals overturned a one-goal deficit created by Unai Lopez in the ninth minute.
After 13 consecutive wins between 2003 and 2019, Barcelona have only won two of their last seven La Liga meetings with Rayo Vallecano (D2, L3). Barcelona have won three straight league matches, but they have just kept one clean sheet in their last 12 games. (1-0 against Alaves).
Los Franjirrojos have collected points in two of their last three La Liga road matches against the Blaugrana (W1, D1, L1), keeping a clean sheet in two of them. As mentioned, Inigo Perez’s side is undefeated in nine straight league matches (W5, D4) – their longest unbeaten run in the Spanish top-flight.
Betting Tip
The La Liga 2025 odds predict that Rayo Vallecano will suffer a defeat at the hands of Barcelona this Monday. Barcelona are 1.20 favourites to win, Rayo Vallecano are massive 9.20 underdogs, and a draw is at 6.30 in the 1X2 market. Hansi Flick needs this win more than Inigo Perez. Barcelona will likely put up new La Liga 2025 highlights en route to dispatching Rayo Vallecano at home. So, besides our recommended bet, SBOTOP bettors and football fans can also go for options like Over 3.50 at 1.84, Over 3.75 at 2.06, and even Total Goal 4-6 at 2.11. Moreover, a Correct Score of 2-1 in favour of the Blaugrana – a re-run of the reverse fixture – is priced at 9.80 your bet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
