Barcelona’s recent home record vs Vallecano a cause for concern ahead of Monday’s clash | OneFootball

Barcelona will lock horns with Rayo Vallecano on Monday night on Matchday 24 of the 2024/25 La Liga, knowing that a win will take them to the top of the league table.

The Blaugrana are three points behind leaders Real Madrid and two below second-placed Atletico Madrid. Both the capital clubs dropped points this weekend, drawing to Osasuna and Celta Vigo, respectively, leaving the door open for Barça to jump past them.

While Barcelona would still be level on points with Real Madrid if they win tomorrow, they will reclaim the top spot in the table after nearly two months thanks to their superior goal difference.

Recent record vs Rayo Vallecano uninspiring

However, heading into Monday’s game at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona’s recent record at home against Rayo Vallecano is a bit concerning.

After all, Barcelona have managed only one victory in their last three home encounters against Rayo Vallecano, highlighting the difficulties the Madrid-based team has posed for the Catalans in recent seasons.

Barcelona have won only one of their last three home games vs Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The most recent such meeting was a memorable one, as Pedri scored the first and only brace of his career on Matchday 37 of the 2023/24 season, leading Barça to a 3-0 win in Montjuic, with Robert Lewandowski also adding a goal.

However, in the previous two seasons, Barcelona failed to secure a win against Rayo at home.

On the opening day of the 2022-23 campaign, the Blaugrana were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw at Spotify Camp Nou. Despite the poor start, Xavi Hernández’s side would go on to win the league title that season.

The season before, in 2021/22, the Catalans suffered a 0-1 defeat to Rayo at Camp Nou, with Alvaro Garcia scoring the only goal of the game.

Currently sitting sixth in La Liga, Rayo Vallecano are in excellent form, boasting three consecutive wins and an unbeaten run of nine matches. Under Inigo Perez’s management, they are fighting for a European spot and will pose a tough challenge for Barcelona.