Barcelona Face Tough Test at Rayo Vallecano: Key Battles, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Barcelona will wrap up their opening three-match away stretch of the La Liga campaign when they face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening.
Hansi Flick's team kicked off the season with an emphatic victory on the road against Mallorca, but subsequently needed a dramatic last-minute own goal after being two goals down to secure maximum points in their previous outing against Levante. The Catalan giants will undoubtedly be eager to produce a superior display ahead of the international break.
Iñigo Pérez's Rayo Vallecano emerged as one of last season's pleasant surprises, securing eighth place and earning European qualification spots. Rayo began 2025–26 with a triumph over Girona before suffering a respectable defeat away to Athletic Club. However, Rayo will be brimming with confidence after securing their spot in the UEFA Conference League during the week.
Los Blaugranas would be wise not to take Rayo lightly, as this fixture has all the ingredients for a potential shock result.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of Barcelona's forthcoming La Liga encounter against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, Aug. 31.
What Time Does Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona Kick-Off?
Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Rayo Vallecano | Barcelona |
|---|---|
Rayo Vallecano 4–0 Neman Grodno - 8/28/25 | Levante 2–3 Barcelona - 8/23/25 |
Athletic Club 1–0 Rayo Vallecano - 8/25/25 | Mallorca 0–3 Barcelona - 8/16/25 |
Nerman Grodno 0–1 Rayo Vallecano - 8/21/25 | Barcelona 5–0 Como - 8/10/25 |
Girona 1–3 Rayo Vallecano - 8/15/25 | Barcelona 5–0 Daegu FC - 8/4/25 |
Sunderland 0–3 Rayo Vallecano - 8/10/25 | FC Seoul 3–7 Barcelona - 7/31/25 |
How to Watch Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, ESPN App |
United Kingdom | Premier Sports 1 |
Mexico | Sky Sports, Sky+ |
Canada | TSN, TSN3, Amazon Prime Video |
Rayo Vallecano Team News
It's been an encouraging beginning to the campaign for Rayo, having secured their place in the UEFA Conference League through the qualification rounds. The Franjirrojos will participate in European competition for just the second time in their history.
Rayo's attacking unit has been in excellent form to start the season. The forward duo of Álvaro García and Jorge De Frutos has netted six goals combined in four matches across all competitions. Winger Isi Plazón has also been impressive, contributing a goal and an assist.
Rayo battled valiantly against Barcelona in both encounters last season, though they'll now be missing defensive stalwart Abdul Mumin, who remains sidelined with an ACL injury sustained in March.
Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona (4-4-2): Batalla; Rațiu, Lejeune, Felipe, Chavarria; Isi, López, Ciss, García; Díaz, De Frutos.
Barcelona Team News
Gavi picked up a knee injury during training this week and has been ruled out for Sunday's fixture. Meanwhile, Fermín López is currently the subject of speculation regarding a potential move to the Premier League. He's unlikely to start, and Raphinha appeared out of place in the No. 10 position last week. This creates an opportunity for Dani Olmo, who made his Barcelona debut at Vallecas twelve months ago, to earn a starting berth.
Frenkie de Jong is expected to return alongside Pedri in midfield after missing the Levante match due to the birth of his child. Robert Lewandowski has also returned to full fitness and could spearhead the attack for the first time this season.
Jules Koundé will be hoping for his first start of the campaign, and his inclusion could see Eric García partner Pau Cubarsí at center-back, replacing Ronald Araújo.
Gerard Martín has finally received his registration and could make his seasonal debut on Sunday.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Cubarsí, García, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Rayo vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
Among Barcelona's first three away fixtures in La Liga, this represents the most challenging test on paper.
Flick's squad must be alert from the opening whistle or they risk another frightening experience like their encounter with Levante last week, only this time the fightback might prove impossible to achieve.
With Raphinha returning to the left flank and Olmo operating centrally, expect Barcelona to display a more dynamic approach similar to what they demonstrated last season. Barcelona will have taken lessons from their errors and will enter the September international break in positive spirits.
Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 0–2 Barcelona