Barcelona have a golden opportunity to take the top spot in La Liga when they host high-flying Rayo Vallecano on Monday night. With both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid dropping points over the weekend, Hansi Flick’s side can leapfrog their rivals with a victory.

However, Rayo Vallecano are no pushovers. Unbeaten in the league since December 1, they have a track record of causing problems for La Liga’s biggest teams. Can they pull off an upset, or will Barcelona continue their winning streak?

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Match Details

• Location: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
• Date: Monday, 17 February 2025
• Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
• Referee: Mario Melero Lopez
• VAR: Isira Diaz de Mera Escuderos

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Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Meetings)

• Barcelona wins: 2
• Rayo Vallecano wins: 1
• Draws: 2
• Last meeting: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Barcelona (27 August 2024)

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Current Form (All Competitions)

Barcelona	Rayo Vallecano
Sevilla 1-4 Barcelona	Rayo Vallecano 1-0 Real Valladolid
Valencia 0-5 Barcelona	Leganes 0-1 Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona 1-0 Alaves	Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Girona
Barcelona 2-2 Atalanta	Osasuna 1-1 Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona 7-1 Valencia	Real Sociedad 3-1 Rayo Vallecano

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How to Watch Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano

Country	TV Channel / Live Stream
United Kingdom	ITVX, Premier Sports Player, LaLigaTV, ITV 4, Premier Sports 1
United States	fuboTV, ESPN+, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes
Canada	TSN+

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Barcelona Team News & Predicted Lineup

Barcelona will be without Fermin Lopez, who is suspended after his red card against Sevilla. Dani Olmo is set to replace him in the No.10 role.

Meanwhile, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Bernal remain sidelined with injuries. However, Ronald Araujo has recovered from an ankle issue and is expected to start.

Barcelona Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski

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Rayo Vallecano Team News & Predicted Lineup

Rayo will be missing Sergio Camello and Unai Lopez, who picked up injuries last weekend. Joni Montiel is still sidelined, but Randy Nteka is available after serving his suspension and is expected to start.

Rayo Vallecano Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; Diaz, Ciss; De Frutos, Palazon, Garcia; Nteka

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Score Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona are in top form and have the chance to move to the summit of La Liga. However, Rayo Vallecano’s defensive organization and pressing intensity will make things difficult. Expect a competitive match, but with Lewandowski, Yamal, and Raphinha in fine form, Barcelona should edge it.

What’s your prediction? Will Barcelona take the top spot or can Rayo pull off a shock result? Share your thoughts in the comments!