La Liga’s title race could swing in Barcelona’s favor on Monday when Hansi Flick’s side have 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 with Osasuna on Saturday.
Barcelona enter 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 are in sixth place and have their sights set on qualifying for European competition next season.
How to Watch and Odds
- Date: Monday, Feb. 17
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
- Live Stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Barcelona -600; Draw +650; Rayo Vallecano +1000
Storylines
Barcelona has not lost this year, maintaining an 11-game unbeaten streak that included a 5-2 win over Real Madrid in last month’s Supercup final. Their strong form in the UEFA Champions League allowed them to secure direct passage to the round of 16, sparing them from some midweek games.
With 41 goals during their unbeaten run, Barcelona’s attacking prowess, led by Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, compensates for their defensive shortcomings, which feature only four clean sheets in 11 games.
Projected Lineup
Goalkeepers: Szczesny
Defenders: Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde
Midfielders: de Jong, Pedri, Yamal
Forwards: Gavi, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Prediction
It may not be an easy match for Barcelona, but they possess all the tools needed for another uncomplicated victory that could place them back atop the standings. Pick: Barcelona 3, Rayo Vallecano 1.
