Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona - prediction, team news, lineups

Sitting ahead of their upcoming opponents in the La Liga rankings, Rayo Vallecano play host to Barcelona on Wednesday evening.

The hosts' efforts against Real Betis were in vain during a 3-2 defeat at the weekend, while Ronald Koeman's men lost El Clasico to Real Madrid on their own turf.

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Despite fighting back from two goals down to seemingly rescue a point against Real Betis - with Randy Nteka and Alvaro Garcia finding the back of the net - Willian Jose's penalty 15 minutes from time condemned Vallecano to their second defeat from three La Liga fixtures at the weekend.

Ivan Balliu was the guilty party as he gave away the penalty which led to . . .