GOAL by Robert Lewandowski! ⚽🔥

FC Barcelona hosts Rayo Vallecano this Monday at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, looking to reclaim the top spot in LaLiga EA Sports. The recent setbacks of Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid give the Catalan side a golden opportunity to return to first place after 79 days.

Barcelona’s chance to take the lead

Draws by Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid against Osasuna and Celta mean that Barça can regain control of the league title race. Xavi Hernández's squad, well-rested after a week without European competition, comes into the match following an impressive 4-1 victory over Sevilla at the Sánchez Pizjuán.

The team will benefit from the return of Ronald Araújo, who is set to receive medical clearance after recovering from an ankle injury. However, Xavi will be without Fermín López (suspended) and injured players Marc-André ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Bernal.

In terms of the starting lineup, Frenkie de Jong is expected to take the defensive midfield role, while the main question remains whether Pablo Páez Gavira 'Gavi' or Dani Olmo will play in the attacking midfield position.

Rayo Vallecano: The most in-form team of 2025

Rayo Vallecano arrives in top form. With an unbeaten streak of nine matches in LaLiga, Íñigo Pérez's side has collected the most points in 2025 (13) and currently sits sixth in the table, fueling hopes of securing a European spot.

The Madrid-based team has proven to be a tough opponent for Barcelona at home. While they lost 3-0 last season, they managed to secure points in their previous two visits, earning a 0-0 draw in 2022-23 and a 1-0 victory in 2021-22, thanks to a goal from Álvaro García, who recently extended his contract.

For this match, Rayo Vallecano will be without Sergio Camello, who suffered a foot fracture and is set to be out for three months, and Unai López, sidelined with a muscle injury. However, Randy Nteka returns from suspension and is expected to feature in the starting XI.

A crucial clash for the top and European ambitions

Barcelona aims for its fourth consecutive LaLiga victory, which would take them back to the top of the standings, while Rayo Vallecano seeks to extend its historic unbeaten run and continue dreaming of European competition.