Concerns emerge over Vallecas pitch ahead of Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona are preparing for their next La Liga fixture, an away trip to Estadio de Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano.

However, concerns have already been raised about the state of the pitch, which could make Sunday’s match far from straightforward.

It has been suggested that the Community of Madrid has been working on the stadium in recent weeks to meet UEFA requirements, as Rayo will host Belarusian side Neman Grodno in the Conference League qualifiers on Thursday.

Renovations included improvements to facilities such as toilets and even the recovery of the old scoreboard. But despite the progress, the biggest issue remains the playing surface.

Uneven pitch raises alarm

Images shared recently showed the grass at Vallecas looking uneven and patchy, raising doubts over how the ball will roll.

For a team like Barcelona, who rely heavily on quick passing and fluid build-up play, a poor pitch could have a direct impact on their performance.

To make matters worse, Rayo will play their European qualifier just days before the La Liga clash, meaning the turf could deteriorate further before Barça even step foot on it.

The Catalans, already dealing with their own stadium challenges, will not welcome this added obstacle.

Adjusting to a heavy or bumpy surface could reduce the effectiveness of their attacking style, forcing them into a more physical battle, something that might play into Rayo’s hands.

Frustrations of their own

The timing of the Vallecas issue comes while Barcelona continue to face uncertainty over their return to Camp Nou.

With renovations ongoing, the club still has no definitive approval to host Valencia at the stadium on 14 September.

That uncertainty has only increased frustration for both the players and the fans, who are desperate to return home.

For now, Barça’s focus shifts to adapting quickly at Vallecas. Whether the pitch condition becomes a decisive factor remains to be seen, but it is already clear that this away trip will be more complicated than expected.