Barcelona’s start to the new La Liga season has been flawless. They are hoping to extend their 100% record when Rayo Vallecano visit Camp Nou on Monday.
Raphinha excelling up front for Barcelona
After already letting Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres leave in this transfer window, Barcelona have used Raphinha as their striker in the opening two games. The Brazilian has looked at home in the role, netting three times across victories against Elche and Athletic Club.
Gabriel Jesus is closing in on a move to Camp Nou from Arsenal. He will offer a more natural option up top, but in this game Flick is set to continue with Raphinha as his centre forward. Anthony Gordon and Lamine Yamal will start on the flanks once more.
Pedri will be providing much of the creativity in midfield. He has completed 93% of his passes and contributed one assist so far in La Liga 2026/27. Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Roony Bardghji remain out injured.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): J. García; E. García, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín, Gordon; Raphinha.
Rayo Vallecano hit by Batalla blow
There was a major injury setback for Rayo Vallecano in their last game, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Alavés. Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla suffered a fractured tibia and is set for many months on the sidelines. Dani Cárdenas will be his replacement in Barcelona.
Midfielder Isi Palazón is another key absentee for the visitors. Defenders Luiz Felipe and Marash Kumbulla are also expected to miss out, which adds to the problems facing summer appointment Beñat San José.
The 46-year-old will be looking to Jorge de Frutos to provide the main threat on the break. The wide forward netted 10 goals in 36 appearances in La Liga last season.
Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Cárdenas; Ratiu, Lejeune, Pelayo, Vertrouwd; Valentín, U. López; De Frutos, Díaz, Á. García; Nteka.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction
- Safe Tip: Barcelona -1.5 Handicap
- Odds: 1.44 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Rayo Vallecano
- 22Bet Booking Code: YT7BP
Key stats:
- Barcelona have won four of the previous five meetings between these clubs.
- All of Barça’s last four La Liga victories have come by margins of two or more goals.
- Including friendlies, it’s just one win in seven outings for Rayo Vallecano.
It was always going to be a transitional period for Rayo Vallecano following the departure of their successful coach Iñigo Pérez. Injuries have made San José’s job tougher, and his side will struggle against Barcelona, who have scored seven goals without conceding so far this term.
Backing the hosts with a -1.5 handicap is the smart bet. The Catalans won all 19 of their home league games last term, with 79% of their victories coming by two goals or more.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Both teams to score - No
- Odds: 1.82 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: 1LXBP
Backing at least one team to fail to net also offers value. Since Rayo Vallecano’s promotion in 2021, none of the five meetings in the Catalan capital has seen both teams score.
Defensively, Barça have made some big improvements in 2026. They’ve kept a clean sheet in three of their previous four home games.
Verdict: Barcelona -1.5 Handicap (1.44) — Barcelona 3-0 Rayo Vallecano
