Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona

Barcelona is running away from Spanish La Liga opponents, in first place by 11 points. There's no urgency...and they're playing that way on a 1-1-2 run scoring just one goal. They got shut down by Real Madrid, 4-0, along with 0-0 DRAWS against 11th-ranked Girona and 16th-ranked Getafe. Barcelona is shorthanded as winger Ousmane Dembele, central midfielder Sergi Roberto, and centre-back Andreas Christensen are out with injuries, while defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets is serving a one-game suspension. They head out on the road for this one at ninth-ranked Rayo Vallecano and their only two league losses this season were both away from home. Rayo Vallecano focuses on defense with 10 wins and 10 DRAWS in 30 matches. They've picked up points in five of their last six home games, including a 2-1 victory in their last home game versus eighth-ranked Osasuna. Centre-back Alejandro Catena and winger Alvaro Garcia will play in this showdown after serving one-game suspensions. This is an excellent situational spot for the motivated home team and Rayo Vallecano has shut out Barcelona in the last three meetings, including two victories by 1-0 scores. Play Rayo Vallecano on the moneyline as a Max Play.