Rayo Vallecano vs FC Barcelona Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 31.05.2025
Calendar icon Updated 29 Aug 18:35

Rayo Vallecano vs FC Barcelona Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 31.05.2025

Juan Pablo Aravena Juan Pablo Aravena
Odds via Tonybet
Rayo Vallecano vs FC BarcelonaSunday, August 31, 2025, 3:30 PM EDT
Rayo Vallecano odds +580
FC Barcelona odds -239
Draw+420
Both teams to scoreYes -157, No +125 

Rayo Vallecano vs FC Barcelona Preview and Team News

Rayo Vallecano Team News

Rayo Vallecano enter this game on high spirits after their 4-0 win over Neman Grodno in the UEFA Conference League play-offs. This result clinched the Vallecas side a spot in the tournament’s league phase. 

Manager Iñigo Pérez decided to rest several regulars in that match with an eye towards this clash against Barça, so Rayo should field a strong XI here

The Madrid outfit have had an inconsistent start to the 2025-26 LaLiga campaign, delivering a dominant 3-1 victory over Girona in the season opener only to look outplayed and overmatched in their most recent fixture, a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao. Given the state of Girona in the early stages of the season and that Neman are several steps below them in terms of quality, this showdown against Barça will be Rayo’s biggest test of the 2025-26 season to date.

The performance against Athletic didn’t inspire much confidence, but at least Iñigo Pérez will have a fully-fit squad to choose from. The lone absences are Abdul Mumin, who’s rehabbing from an ACL injury, and Nobel Mendy, who’s dealing with a muscular problem. Don’t expect Rayo to make too many changes compared to the XI they’ve fielded in the first two rounds of league play.

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs FC Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Felipe, Chavarría; López, Ciss; Palazón, Díaz, Á. García; De Frutos.

FC Barcelona Team News

FC Barcelona are one of five clubs to open the 2025-26 Liga season with a perfect record after two rounds. However, Hansi Flick’s men had to work hard to keep that strong start to the campaign alive in the previous round. 

They came back from a 0-2 deficit against Levante on the road and ultimately needed an own goal in stoppage time to return to Camp Nou with three points.

Even with Robert Lewandowski yet to start a game this season due to fitness issues, Barcelona have relied on their attacking prowess to secure back-to-back wins. 

The team have posted a combined 4.17 xG and scored three goals in their first two fixtures. Only Villarreal have posted a higher xG with 5.58.

Flick shouldn’t have major injury concerns ahead of this meeting, with the main question being whether Lewandowski or Ferrán Torres gets the nod up front. The rest of the side should be very similar to the XI that have played in the opening matches. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Dani Rodríguez are out, though ter Stegen would be the only one with a real shot at starting if healthy.

FC Barcelona predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): J. García; E. García, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres.

Rayo Vallecano vs FC Barcelona Main Match Info

Rayo Vallecano vs FC Barcelona Prediction, Odds

Rayo made the right call by resting most of their regulars in the second leg against Neman Grodno. However, that decision is unlikely to have a significant impact on the outcome of this game.

Even at full strength, the Madrid side are nowhere near Barcelona in terms of quality and overall depth. The Blaugrana are odds-on favourites for this encounter – and deservedly so given their strong start to the season.

Even though the hosts are likely to put up a good fight at home, where they have lost only two of their last 10 competitive matches across all competitions, Barça should find a way to get all three points. 

The Catalan giants have won seven of their last 10 trips to this venue and should have enough quality to keep that streak alive under the tutelage of their star duo of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

Rayo Vallecano vs FC Barcelona Betting Tip

Barcelona have found the back of the net at least three times in each of their two games this season. However, Rayo Vallecano are a better defensive unit than Mallorca or Levante, having allowed just two goals in two outings – one from the penalty spot and one from close range. 

They should have enough quality to limit Barça‘s spaces in the final third.

With the Catalan giants having tired legs, as this will be their third straight fixture away from home, and Rayo Vallecano potentially posing a tougher defensive matchup, don’t be surprised if this meeting hits the under on goals. 

For what it’s worth, each of their last nine head-to-heads have ended with three or fewer total goals. That includes their last five at this venue.

Rayo Vallecano vs FC Barcelona: Where to Watch (Canada) 

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