Barcelona will host Rayo Vallecano this Monday at the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys, looking to take advantage of the slip-ups by Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid to secure their fourth consecutive LaLiga victory and reclaim the top spot after 79 days.

Golden Opportunity for the Blaugranas

It won’t be an easy task, as the Catalan side faces a Rayo Vallecano team that is enjoying its best-ever run in the top division, going nine games unbeaten and sitting sixth in the standings, within European qualification spots.

Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona comes into the match well-rested after a week without games, having skipped the Champions League round of 16 playoffs. They also arrive with high morale following their 4-1 thrashing of Sevilla at the Sánchez Pizjuán.

During that match, Ronald Araújo suffered a right ankle injury, but the Uruguayan center-back has already trained with the team and is expected to receive medical clearance on Monday. On the other hand, Flick will be without Fermín López, suspended after his red card in Seville, as well as the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Bernal.

Despite these absences, the German coach will field his best lineup, with Frenkie de Jong returning as a defensive midfielder instead of Marc Casadó, and the only uncertainty being whether Pablo Páez Gavira 'Gavi' or Dani Olmo will play as the attacking midfielder.

Rayo Dreams of Europe

Rayo Vallecano arrives in excellent form. Besides their historic unbeaten streak, they have collected the most points in 2025, with 13. Their last loss came on December 1 against Athletic Club (1-2).

Iñigo Pérez’s squad remains focused on securing safety in the league, but with 35 points at this stage, their hopes of playing in Europe next season are growing.

The Vallecas-based team lost their last visit to Barcelona (3-0), but in the previous season, they managed a 0-0 draw, and in the 2021-22 campaign, they secured a 1-0 victory with a goal from Álvaro García, who recently extended his contract after scoring the winning goal against Valladolid in the last round.

Against Valladolid, Rayo Vallecano suffered two key injuries: Sergio Camello, who fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot and will be out for approximately three months, and Unai López, sidelined for the clash against Barça due to muscle problems.

Iñigo Pérez will have French forward Randy Nteka back in the starting lineup after serving a suspension for accumulated yellow cards. In Unai López’s absence, it is expected that Óscar Valentín will step in.

Meanwhile, Raúl de Tomás returned to training after being out for over two and a half months, though he is not expected to make the squad as he is still in the early stages of recovery from a "common illness," according to the club.

Probable Lineups

Barcelona: Szczesny; Koundé, Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Gavi or Olmo, Raphinha; and Lewandowski.

Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Pep Chavarría; Óscar Valentín, Pathé Ciss, De Frutos, Isi; Álvaro García and Nteka.

Referee: Melero López (Andalusian Committee).
Stadium: Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys.

Standings: Barcelona, 3rd (48 pts.); Rayo Vallecano, 6th (35 pts.).

Stat: Rayo Vallecano has picked up points in two of their last three LaLiga visits to Barcelona, keeping a clean sheet in two of those matches after losing the previous seven.

Quotes:
Hansi Flick: "The important thing is to be leaders at the end, but the team wants to show how good they are."
Pep Chavarría (Rayo Vallecano): "Barcelona has a lot of energy. Unlike previous years, they run a lot more."

Injuries: Ter Stegen, Christensen, and Marc Bernal (injured), and Fermín López (suspended) for Barcelona. Sergio Camello and Unai López (injured), and Raúl de Tomás (recovering) for Rayo Vallecano.

Returning Players: Ronald Araújo for Barcelona and Randy Nteka, back after suspension, for Rayo Vallecano.

Players at Risk of Suspension: Lejeune, Álvaro García, and Isi for Rayo Vallecano.