The Catalans are targeting a 21st consecutive home victory: Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano prediction
The third-round La Liga match between Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano will take place on 31 August at Camp Nou. The Catalans have won both of their opening matches by an aggregate score of 7-0 and lead the table, while the Madrid side have collected just one point.
Barcelona: seven goals scored and none conceded
Hansi Flick's side began the season with a 5-0 thrashing of Elche before beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home. Raphinha and Fermin Lopez have already scored three goals each, while Barcelona's defence has yet to concede after two rounds.
Their home record is particularly impressive: Barcelona have won 20 consecutive La Liga matches on their own ground. In addition, the Catalans have kept clean sheets in their previous four home meetings with Rayo, winning three of them.
Rayo Vallecano: difficult start and off-field problems
Beñat San José's side began the campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Sevilla before drawing 1-1 with Alaves. Even their second-round match had to be played at the Butarque Stadium in Leganes after permission to use their ground in Vallecas was suspended.
The organisational difficulties have been compounded by personnel problems: first-choice goalkeeper Augusto Batalla has broken his leg, while Pathe Ciss is pushing to leave the club. Ahead of a trip to the league leaders, those circumstances only make life harder for a team that has collected one point from two matches.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Barcelona have won both of their opening matches by an aggregate score of 7-0.
- The Catalans have recorded 20 consecutive home victories in La Liga.
- Barcelona have not conceded against Rayo in their last four home head-to-head meetings.
The hosts' winning run should continue: Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano prediction
The difference in the teams' current condition is too significant to ignore: Barcelona are attacking with confidence, defending reliably and giving opponents very few opportunities at home. Rayo, meanwhile, arrive with both squad and organisational problems.
Even possible rotation should not significantly reduce the Catalans' level of performance. With Raphinha and Fermin in their current form, the hosts are capable of establishing an advantage fairly quickly and seeing the match through to a comfortable victory.
