La Liga’s title race could swing in Barcelona’s favor on Monday when Hansi Flick’s side has a chance to go top of the table with a win against Rayo Vallecano. The 2022-23 champions head into the game in third place but only three points behind league leaders Real Madrid after they drew Osasuna on Saturday. Barcelona enters Monday’s game with a goal differential that’s 10 better than Real Madrid’s, leaving them with a major opportunity to get back into first place. A game against Rayo will not necessarily be easy, though – they enter the match in sixth place and aim for a spot in European competition next season.
Here’s what you need to know before tuning in.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Monday, Feb. 17
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys – Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Barcelona -600; Draw +650; Rayo Vallecano +1000
Storylines
Barcelona has not lost in the new year, going on an 11-game unbeaten run that includes their statement 5-2 win over Real Madrid in last month’s Supercup final. This strong form in the UEFA Champions League allowed them to secure direct advancement to the round of 16, sparing them midweek action.
Goalscoring has been a particular strength for Barcelona, who have 41 goals in their unbeaten run. Projected lineup: Szczesny, Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde, de Jong, Pedri, Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
Prediction: It may not exactly be a straightforward game for Barcelona, but they have all the tools they need to secure another uncomplicated win that takes them back atop the table. Pick: Barcelona 3, Rayo Vallecano 1.
