Preview: Neymar returns after his injury against Getafe
All the attention around Barcelona has been focused on their upcoming Champions League match. While a meeting with Manchester City promises to be an entertaining affair, the Catalans will first need to get by a Rayo Vallecano side that are in the relegation zone.
Tata Martino’s side jumped back into the top spot of the league standings, taking advantage of a slip-up from Atletico Madrid.
Saturday’s match will mark the return of Brazilian star Neymar, who has been out with an ankle injury since January 16th. But despite his return, he is likely to only see some minutes in the second half.
Barcelona’s manager is also likely to rest a few other big names, as he will want to keep them fresh for a trip to the Etihad. Xavi will be given a day off on Saturday, as he will be a very likely starter against Manchester City.
Sergi Roberto, Tello and Bartra are all likely to get a start as well. Martino will be hopeful that his side can put the match away early enough, so he could give Messi a break early in the second half.
Making too many changes in the squad could prove costly for the hosts. With three clubs even on 57 points, Barcelona cannot afford to overlook their opposition. Rayo Vallecano may be in a relegation battle, but they will certainly not be pushovers.
Paco Jemez’s side come into Saturday’s fixture with a 4-1 victory over Malaga. Former Barcelona prospect Iago Falque was the main talking point of that match. The 23-year-old has not been able to capitalize on his loan spells, but he seems to have found a comfort zone with Rayo Vallecano. He will likely be in the starting XI at Camp Nou against his former club.
Rayo’s newest signing Razvan Rat has also been included in the squad, and could start. Nacho Martinez will miss the match due to suspension.
Their first meeting this season, Barcelona ran away with a 0-4 victory. Rayo will offer a high pressing style of play, despite knowing that will leave them vulnerable at the back. Since the visitors returned to the top flight in Spain, they have lost all five meetings with the Catalans, while being outscored 23-1.
Where to watch this match - Live Stream, Start Time, TV Channels, Live Scores
Watch Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano live on Saturday, February 15, 2014:
In Canada at 14:00 ET on: beIN Sports Play Canada
In the UK at 19:00 GMT on: Sky Sports 1/HD
In the USA at 14:00 ET on: beIN Sports USA, SiriusXM FC, beIN Sports en Español, beIN Sports Play
Fans in Spain can follow this La Liga fixture on Gol Stadium, Canal+ Liga / HD, C+ Liga Multi and GOL T. For those that are outside of these viewing areas, be sure to visit the Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano match page for full TV listings.
