Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona

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Barcelona aims to secure a third consecutive victory in La Liga as they resume their domestic campaign with an upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano this Saturday. Currently positioned third in the table, Xavi's team narrowly defeated Alaves in their previous fixture before the international break. In contrast, Rayo Vallecano, occupying the 10th spot, faced a 2-1 home defeat against league leaders Girona in their last outing.

Rayo has consistently achieved mid-table finishes in the past two La Liga seasons since returning to this level. The team has started the current season strongly, amassing 18 points and holding the 10th position in the league standings. Under Francisco's management, Rayo has won four matches, drawn six, and lost three out of their 13 league fixtures, placing them just four points away from the top six.

Despite entering the Girona clash with a nine-game unbeaten streak, Rayo suffered a 2-1 defeat, with Alvaro Garcia initially putting them ahead at Estadio de Vallecas. Girona responded with two unanswered goals, handing Rayo their third league loss of the season.

Interestingly, Rayo Vallecano has an impressive record against Barcelona, remaining unbeaten in their last four league encounters. Their most recent loss to Barcelona occurred in March 2019. In the previous season, Rayo secured a 2-1 victory on their home turf, and the teams played to a goalless draw at Camp Nou in the opening match of the campaign.

Barcelona faced a tough match against Alaves, starting poorly by conceding in the opening minute. However, Robert Lewandowski's two goals in the second half secured a win for them.

Criticism has been directed at coach Xavi lately due to Barcelona's mixed form. They've lost two out of their last four games across all competitions. Even their two recent wins haven't been entirely convincing, especially their narrow victory against Real Sociedad.

Their 1-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League has put their place in the last-16 at risk, despite leading Group H with nine points. A poor result against Porto next week might complicate their standing in the group.

In La Liga, Barcelona has won nine, drawn three, and lost one out of their 13 matches, securing 30 points and placing third, trailing behind Real Madrid and Girona.

Their upcoming league fixtures against Atletico Madrid and Girona mark a crucial period before the winter break, considering their recent unconvincing performances.

Rayo faces absences in their squad due to Oscar Trejo's knee injury and Alvaro Garcia's suspension. This requires two changes to their lineup from the previous match, with Randy Nteka and Jorge de Frutos likely to step in.

Despite Barcelona's loss of Gavi to a serious knee injury during the international break, they have depth in attack, and Sergio Camello and Isi Palazon are expected to maintain their positions, despite other options like Radamel Falcao and Bebe being available.

Rayo Vallecano has commenced the season well and aims to get back to winning ways as they face Barcelona. Although the Catalan team isn't dominating matches as they did before, they remain contenders for the league title and aim to close the gap this weekend.

Vallecano has secured 18 points from 13 games, with four victories and six draws, suffering only three losses. Despite several draws, they're eager for a win against Barcelona, having been winless in their last three matches, including a recent 2-1 loss to Girona despite creating more scoring opportunities.

Barcelona, having faced just one defeat this season, has garnered 30 points from 13 matches with nine wins and three draws. They've had a strong start and aim to build on it.

Rayo Vallecano is set to maintain their 4-4-2 formation, relying on goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski and defenders Abdul Mumin, Florian Lejeune, Andrei Ratiu, and Alfonso Espino. Their midfielders Isi Palazon and Jorge de Frutos will contribute to attacking plays and support their full-backs in managing Barcelona's star wingers.

Barcelona faces setbacks with Gavi's season-ending injury and a doubtful Marc-Andre ter Stegen. They might field Inaki Pena in goal and hope for the return of Frankie de Jong and Sergi Roberto from injury, intending to stick with a 4-3-3 formation.

Felix, on loan to Barcelona, had a strong start but experienced a recent dip in form. The Portuguese player aims to regain his best performance in the upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano.