In this article…
Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano
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Kick Off: Monday 17th February at 20:00
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Competition: La Liga
Barcelona host 1 of La Liga’s biggest surprise packages this season, as Rayo Vallecano aim to extend their 9-league game unbeaten streak.
This could be a tall order against Barcelona who are aiming to capitalise on Real Madrid’s Saturday setback, which was largely courtesy of an early Jude Bellingham red card for dissent.
A win here would send the Catalan side top of the league, albeit on goal difference and with a long time to go.
⭐ Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano Best Bets
Rayo Vallecano’s matches have been pretty card-heavy this season, averaging 4.74 per game. They also come into this fixture on an incredibly consistent run, with each of their last 12 games producing a minimum of 4 cards.
Barcelona’s games have also been feisty affairs, with plenty of cards distributed. Their league matches average 4.61 cards, with nearly 60% going to their opponents. This selection has landed in 7 of their last 9 games across all competitions.
Adding further weight to the expectation of a high-card contest, referee Mario Lopez has been assigned to this match. With a career average of 5.27 cards per game, his presence only increases the likelihood of another fiery encounter.
🟢 Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano #WhatOddsPaddy Tip
Lewandowski has got off to a flying start this season and is comfortably Barcelona’s top scorer with 31 goals to his name across all competitions – an average of 1.07 per game.
He’s bagged at least 1 goal in 4 of his last 5 appearances, scoring Barcelona’s first in 3 of his 4 starts over the period.
Coming into this match in fine form, Lewandowski is as likely as anyone to bag the game’s opener.
Pathe Ciss is also a great bet to enter the book with the Senegalese midfielder averaging a huge 2.66 fouls per game.
He’s likely to be tasked with containing Pedri who has averaged 1.70 fouls drawn per 90 minutes across all competitions, also winning 12 across his last 3 appearances.
Cisse has also been booked in 6 separate matches despite starting only 12. With that in mind alongside his tricky matchup, backing him to enter the book first is a sensible choice.
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👕 Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano Predicted XI
🔍 Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano Players to Watch
⚪ Jorge De Frutos
Rayo Vallecano’s aggressive style of play is well reflected in their staggering average of 14.61 fouls per game in La Liga, and few embody that intensity more than Jorge De Frutos.
The winger has averaged 1.62 fouls per 90 minutes across all competitions, committing at least 1 in each of his last 14 appearances when playing 60+ minutes. This is largely due to Vallecano’s relentless pressing game, which boasts a PPDA of just 8.11.
To make matters even trickier for him, De Frutos will be up against Alejandro Balde, who draws 1.79 fouls per 90 in La Liga. All signs point to a frustrating night for him on Monday.
🔴 Pedri
Pedri has been 1 of the most fouled players in Barcelona’s squad, averaging 1.70 fouls won per 90 minutes across all competitions.
The Spanish midfielder has drawn an impressive 12 fouls in his last 3 matches and has been brought down at least once in 15 of his last 18 appearances when playing 60+ minutes – including 6 of the last 7.
His toughest challenge will likely come from Pathé Ciss, who leads all potential starters with a staggering 2.66 fouls committed per 90. This matchup is bound to be a physical battle and should easily result in at least 1 foul – if not more.
📂 Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano Cheat Sheet
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💻 Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano Form and Tactics
Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano’s respective PPDAs of 7.01 and 8.11 rank 1st and 3rd in La Liga, emphasising their desire to play on the front foot and force defensive errors.
Both teams are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 which should make for an interesting tactical affair.
That said, last time out Inigo Perez opted for a more orthodox 4-4-2 against Barcelona in order to avoid too many direct player-to-player matchups which could see his men exposed.
A similar approach would not be out of the question, particularly given that despite coming away with nothing, Vallecano put out a strong performance in that match.
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🏁 Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano Ref Watch
- Referee: Mario Melero Lopez
| Average Cards (Y / R) | 3.73 / 0.09 |
| Fouls Given | 26.36 |
| Penalties | 0.45 |
Stats displayed per 90 minutes & taken from 24/25 La Liga games (11 total).
📺 How to Watch Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano in La Liga
📅 When is Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano? / Monday, 17 February 2025, 20:00
🏟 Where is Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano? / Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Barcelona)
📺 What TV Channel is Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano on? / ITV 4
🟨 …And who is the referee for Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano? / Mario Melero Lopez 🇪🇸
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* We recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.
* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.
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