Barcelona make the trip to the Spanish capital to face Rayo Vallecano in the 2025/26 La Liga, before the September international break.
Rayo opened their new campaign with two away games and now return to Vallecas for their first home fixture in the league. They began with a 3-1 win over Girona but stumbled to a 1-0 defeat against Athletic Bilbao after conceding a penalty in the 66th-minute.
Los Franjirrojos qualified for the UEFA Conference League (UECL) league phase midweek after a 5-0 aggregate win over Neman Grodno in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Barcelona opened their league campaign with back-to-back wins: 3-0 over Mallorca and 3-2 victory against Levante. They are currently second on the table and ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference.
Hansi Flick’s side were the best away team last season, securing 45 points, nine more than the second-best Villareal. Against Rayo, Barcelona won both league meetings last season.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
TV channel: N/A
Live stream: ESPN+, ESPN App
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the English Language. Streaming options are available on ESPN+ and ESPN App.
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What time does Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at the Estadio de Vallecas in Madrid, Spain and kicks off on Sunday, August 31 at 9:30 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Aug. 31 | 3:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Aug. 31 | 1:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Aug. 31 | 12:30 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Aug. 31 | 11:30 a.m. |
Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona lineups, team news
Rayo boss Inigo Perez named an unchanged starting lineup in the first two league games of the season and he could stick with that against Flick’s visitors, although he will have to balance the need to rest some players after Thursday’s UEFA Conference League playoff second-leg win.
The hosts have no fresh injury concerns, with Abdul Mumin a long-term absentee due to a knee issue, and key duo Jorge de Frutos and Isi Palazon fit to start.
Rayo Vallecano predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Batalla (GK) — Ratiu, Lejeune, Felipe, Chavarria — Ciss, Lopez — Palazon, Diaz, Garcia — De Frutos
Injured: Mumin (knee)
Suspended: None
Flick has rotated his options in between the wins at Mallorca and Levante, but his starting core has remained unchanged this season.
Marcus Rashford made his first start at Levante but was replaced at halftime, and the fit-again Robert Lewandowski is on course to lead the attack. The Poland international has been eased back into action following a muscle injury.
Frenkie de Jong is also back following the birth of his second child.
Barcelona predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): J. Garcia (GK) — E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde — De Jong, Pedri — Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha — Lewandowski
Injured: D. Rodriguez (shoulder), Ter Stegen (back), Bernal (knee)
Suspended: None
La Liga schedule this week
Friday, August 29
- Elche vs. Levante (1:30 p.m. ET)
- Valencia vs. Getafe (3:30 p.m. ET)
Saturday, August 30
- Deportivo Alaves vs. Atletico Madrid (11:00 a.m. ET)
- Real Oviedo vs. Real Sociedad (1:00 p.m. ET)
- Girona vs. Sevilla (1:30 p.m. ET)
- Real Madrid vs. Mallorca (3:30 p.m. ET)
Sunday, August 31
- Celta Vigo vs. Villarreal (11:00 a.m. ET)
- Real Betis vs. Athletic Club (1:00 p.m. ET)
- Espanyol vs. Osasuna (1:30 p.m. ET)
- Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona (3:30 p.m. ET)
