Another season will get underway in Spain for Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano. The Blaugrana side, now with Xavi in his first full season as coach, want to return to winning ways and challenge Real Madrid to the top spot of the tournament. Last year, Los Culés finished second behind Los Blancos in the title race, but it was just a formality, as they ended the campaign trailing the champions by thirteen points.
On the other side of the pitch, Rayo Vallecano will enter the 2022-23 campaign with everything to play for, as they finished last season in 12th place, far away from European competition spots and only four points away from relegation. Rayo proved for a few weeks they were capable of contending for a top four spot, but that will only happen if they can be consistent throughout the season.
Barcelona have an interesting record when playing opening games at home. Los Culés have not lost a single game at home on Matchweek one, and repeating such a feat will be appreciated by those who make it to the Camp Nou.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano - Team news
Los Blaugranas enter this game after being one of the most active teams during the offseason despite their financial problems. The Catalan side has hired players such as Jules Koundé, Raphinha, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, and as the cherry on top, Robert Lewandowski. All these players are expected to bring back the good old days for Barcelona, and they will be sort of forced to do that, since their failure to bring in trophies could give Los Culés a bit of a financial headache -yes, one more- for next seson.
As for Rayo Vallecano, the team will enter a new seasons with some interesting additions. The first one of those has to be Diego López, who joins the Madrid-based side after a spell with Espanyol. Other players signed by the club include Salvi and Unai López. Unfortunately for them, players such as Sergi Guardiola and Iker Recio had to leave the club as an agreement to keep them around was not reached.
Neither team has reported any injuries or suspensions prior to this weekend's games.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano - Head-to-head
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Barcelona enter this game with eight wins against Rayo Vallecano in their last ten meetings across all comps.
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Surprisingly, Rayo Vallecano defeated Los Culés in their two most recent fixtures, both of them with similar one-nil scores.
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Barcelona's last home win against Rayo Vallecano took place on March 9, 2019. That game concluded with a 3-1 score.
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Barcelona have scored 20 goals against Rayo Vallecano in their last five games at Camp Nou.
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Rayo Vallecano have only found the back of the net five times in their last five trips to the Camp Nou.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Broadcast info
In Spain: DAZN, DAZN LaLiga.
In the U.S.: ABC, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes+, ESPN Deportes.
In the U.K.: Premier Player HD, Premier Sports 1, LaLigaTV.
In France: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN Sports 1, Free.
In the Netherlands: Ziggo Sport Select, Ziggo Sport 14.
In Canada: TSN App, TSN.ca.
In Argentina: Star+, ESPN Argentina.
In Mexico: Blue To Go Video Everywhere, Sky HD.
In Australia: Optus Sport.
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