Barça and Rayo Vallecano are facing off in the last match of the day, corresponding to Matchday 24 of the EA Sports League. The match, which will start at 9:00 P.M., at Lluis Companys, with the possibility of Barça's taking the first position. The match can be followed through Movistar LaLiga + and minute by minute through our social media @carpetasblaugranas
Mario Melero López will be in charge of officiating the match between Catalans and Madrilenians, joined in the VAR by Díaz de Mera. The Andalusian will referee the culés for the first time this season. The last was last season in the victory against Celta with Xavi as coach. In contrast, it will be the third time he referees the franjirrojos this season and the 33rd time in history.
GRADA DE ANIMACIÓN VS BARÇA: LA VERDAD SOBRE EL CONFLICTO
How Barça Is Doing
Flick's team was seven points behind three weeks ago. If they win now, they would be first tied with the whites, but with a better goal average. Additionally, they are arriving at a good time in terms of playing and results, with three consecutive victories thrashing Valencia and Sevilla. Added to this is that they haven't had a midweek match. As a result, they are very rested for this league match, which hasn't happened in a long time.
The German coach has praised the opponent they will face tomorrow in a press conference. He stated that they do "an extraordinary job" and that he was already warned about Rayo Vallecano's level. Regarding the squad list, he said that he didn't know it was mandatory to share it and that they will decide what to do tomorrow. Finally, he was asked about Bellingham's controversy, but he didn't want to comment. He simply stated that he doesn't like these types of behaviors in his players because of how it weakens them.
Regarding the possible line-up, Araújo will be present in the squad, although it is difficult for him to be a starter due to Íñigo's recovery. In the attacking midfield, there may be another issue, as Dani Olmo is in full condition and so is Gavi, so both are competing for a spot, as Fermín is suspended. The rest of the line-up is quite clear: the trident up front and Szczęsny reaffirming himself as the number 1 goalkeeper.
How Rayo Vallecano Is Doing
The Madrilenians are in the best moment of the season. They haven't lost since December 1st in the League, which has placed them in sixth position. In fact, their streak is almost unbeatable, as they have four victories in the last five matches. The other one was a draw against Osasuna at Sadar. These results place them in European positions, although their coach doesn't want to talk about Europe; he focuses on achieving permanence.
However, the franjirrojo coach believes they can beat Barcelona, but they must not forget that it is one of the most complex fields. Like his professional colleague, he has also praised Flick's work. According to him, he has managed to get his players to do a lot of physical work and help in defense. For him, one of the keys to the match will be overcoming that advanced defense without falling offside, so they must choose very well with whom to cause damage.
The capital team will not be able to count on Sergio Camello, who was injured last week and forced to undergo surgery. Unai López, a regular in the XI for Íñigo Martínez, will also not be present. The same applies to Raúl de Tomás, who is back to training alone. The one who will be on the bench will be the son of the Cameroonian forward, Etienne Eto'o.
Match Keys
Managing the Lack of Goals: Lamine Yamal has gone almost 100 days without scoring: a surprising statistic given his level. While he has assisted on several occasions during these last matches and has left us with great individual actions, he is struggling to score in the league championship. We will see how this affects the young star, as the need may lead him to make bad decisions in an attempt to end this "negative" streak.
Strange Day: it is strange to have to wait until Monday's match to see Barça play. Moreover, it is likely that we won't see it again this year. Therefore, it is important for the team to come out focused from the first moment, as this opponent is more used to playing on Mondays. We will also see if this affects the audience: It is difficult to ensure that Lluis Companys will be filled given the date and time.
Seizing the Opportunity: it is rare in the League to see both Madrid and Atleti fail, especially when competing for the lead. The blaugranas are more obliged than ever to win this match, as these are three vital points that allow them to depend on themselves to win the championship. Additionally, it would be an immense morale boost, as it would mean recovering all the ground lost in November and December.
Managing Time: one of the frequent problems Flick's team has faced is how to attack teams that defend well. Desperation has taken its toll in some matches, causing the team not to manage the ball correctly and fall into the opponent's trap. It is important that they know how to manage this pressure and not fall into desperation. The talent they have up front should be enough to create scoring opportunities and win.
