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Behind the Classic, Barcelona faces a new test that is much more serious than it seems. The duel against Real Madrid, of course, overshadows everything, but this afternoon’s test in Vallecas (7:00 p.m. Movistar laLiga) it will not be easy. If the official account is assumed that the current squad of the team gives to get closer to the greats and, as the technical secretary said Ramón Planes, “No more can be demanded of us”, it is fair to say that in Vallecas, Barça returns to their league (follow the game live on As.com).
A tough statement, but one that is supported by numbers. Rayo Vallecano (with one more game) is seventh in the table, Barça, ninth; Ray has not lost at home, where he has scored 12 goals in four games conceding only two, which contrasts with Barça’s performance away from Camp Nou, where they have yet to win and he has only been able to score one goal.
Both teams come to the game after having lost the weekend: Rayo lost in the Betis field 3-2 after drawing after losing 2-0. Barça left the duel against Madrid with the same points, but losing troops. De Jong does not reach Vallecas and Koeman does not recover anyone (neither Araújo, Pedri nor Dembélé are ready) and on top of that Ansu will be doubtful.
All these casualties can lead Koeman to vary the system and apply a double pivot with Nico accompanying Busquets and thus arrange a line of three half points giving command of the game to Coutinho leaving Kun Agüero in point to star in his duel of legends with Falcao.
Recognizable. Iraola would return to his most recognizable eleven after rotating some of the untouchables at Villamarín. Falcao, who did not play in Seville, would return to the eleven relegating Nteka to the bench, despite the fact that the latter has chained two consecutive days scoring. Balliu would also return to the side and Saveljich to the axis of the rear to receive Barça in the return to their League.