Barcelona – Rayo Vallecano takes center stage in La Liga Matchweek 3 as the reigning champions travel to the Estadio de Vallecas in search of their third straight win of the 2025-26 campaign.

Barcelona sit second in the table with maximum points, while Rayo aim to build momentum after a mixed start.

Key facts ahead of Barcelona – Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano head into the clash following a 4-0 victory over Neman in the UEFA Conference League playoff, sealing a 5-0 aggregate triumph.

In La Liga, however, their record shows one win and one defeat from the opening two fixtures, placing them eighth.

Historically, Rayo have troubled Barcelona in recent years, remaining unbeaten in five consecutive league encounters between 2021 and 2023 before losing their last three, including a narrow 2-1 defeat in this fixture last season.

Barcelona, meanwhile, showed resilience in their last outing against Levante.

After trailing 2-0 at halftime, goals from Pedri and Ferran Torres, plus a late own goal, turned the match in their favor.

Having also beaten Mallorca 3-0 in the opener, the Catalans boast six goals in two games but remain under scrutiny defensively.

Tactical outlook and prediction for Barcelona – Rayo Vallecano

The clash promises an intriguing tactical battle. Rayo will look to exploit the intensity of their home crowd at Vallecas and rely on quick transitions through Isi Palazón and Jorge de Frutos.

Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, are expected to control possession, with Dani Olmo and Pedri orchestrating play in midfield and Robert Lewandowski potentially returning to the lineup to add cutting edge in attack.

The visitors’ defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the absence of Marc-André ter Stegen, could offer Rayo chances, but Barcelona’s overall firepower and squad depth make them favorites.

A close contest is anticipated, but the champions have the quality to edge it.

Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Barcelona

Barcelona – Rayo Vallecano team news and possible lineups

Rayo Vallecano will be without Abdul Mumin (knee) and Nobel Mendy, though head coach Iñigo Pérez otherwise has a strong squad at his disposal.

Alvaro García, who scored twice off the bench in Europe, is set to start, alongside De Frutos in attack.

Rayo Vallecano possible XI (4-2-3-1): Batalla — Ratiu, Lejeune, Felipe, Chavarría — Ciss, López — Palazón, Díaz, A. García — De Frutos

For Barcelona, Ter Stegen (back surgery) and Gavi (knee) remain unavailable. Flick may rotate his options, with Jules Koundé, Frenkie de Jong, and Dani Olmo expected to return to the starting XI.

Ferran Torres could continue to lead the line as Lewandowski is eased back from injury, although the Polish striker is in contention for minutes.

Barcelona possible XI (4-2-3-1): J. García — Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde — Pedri, De Jong — Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha — Torres