Rayo Vallecano prepares for its tough visit to the Spotify Camp Nou this Monday with the significant absence of Isi Palazón. Beñat San José's team, sitting 15th in the table with just one point, is searching for its first win of the 2026/27 season against a Barcelona side leading the pack. Palazón, the team's vice-captain, will miss out due to a muscle injury sustained in the draw against Alavés.
Who will cover for Isi Palazón's absence?
The absence of Isi Palazón leaves a major gap in Rayo's attack. The player is an offensive reference point, and his loss will force manager Beñat San José to restructure his forward line for the match in Barcelona. The team arrives for this fixture after a difficult league start, with a defeat in Seville and a draw at Butarque, their temporary home ground.
Rayo has scored two goals and conceded three in these first two outings, highlighting the need to find creative solutions without their star man. The squad will have to demonstrate its collective ability to make up for Palazón's individual quality in such a demanding venue as the Camp Nou. You can check the squad's status on our injuries page.
What did Adrià Pedrosa say about his move to Rayo?
Left-back Adrià Pedrosa, on loan from Sevilla, expressed his belief that Rayo Vallecano is the ideal environment to regain his best form. The 28-year-old player said, "I believe Rayo is a team where I can make the most of my qualities as a full-back." Pedrosa arrived to cover the sensitive departure of Pep Chavarría, who was transferred to Chelsea.
The Catalan footballer highlighted manager Beñat San José's playing philosophy as a key factor in his decision. Pedrosa trusts that his style will fit the team's approach and hopes to find the regularity he seeks after his spell at Elche. His signing bolsters a position that had been left very short in the squad.
How is Barcelona preparing for the match?
FC Barcelona, Rayo's opponent this Monday, is training under Hansi Flick with some notable absences. The Blaugrana will be without Frenkie de Jong and Gavi for the match. The academy graduate is still recovering from a knock to his knee and is expected back after the Rayo game.
Flick will be able to call upon several reserve team players, such as Eder Aller, Jesse Bisiwu, Brian Fariñas, and Hamza Abdelkarim. Barcelona, who are third in the table with a perfect record, come into the match after beating Athletic Club this past Thursday. Their aim will be to maintain their unbeaten home run, which could stretch to 21 games.
What is Rayo's situation ahead of the classic?
Rayo Vallecano faces the match in a delicate league position, six points behind leaders Atlético Madrid. With just one point from a possible six, the visit to the Camp Nou represents a huge challenge to start climbing the table. The team has had to adapt to playing at Butarque while the Estadio de Vallecas remains closed by the Community of Madrid.
In addition to Palazón's injury, the future of full-back Andrei Ratiu is up in the air following links to Fulham. San José's squad has undergone significant renewal, with eight players departing, including captain Óscar Trejo, who retired, and midfielder Mendy, sold to Hull City. To follow the team's progress, check our standings page.
Monday's match will be the first major test for Beñat San José's project. A positive result in Barcelona, however difficult, could provide a vital morale boost for a campaign that has started slowly. The team needs to quickly find a positive dynamic to move away from the lower reaches of the table.
