Rayo Vallecano ‘not scared’ by Barcelona’s seven goals against Newcastle

Barcelona will stride into Camp Nou on Sunday buoyed by a statement 7-0 Champions League dismantling of Newcastle, yet visiting Rayo Vallecano insist the rout has not dented their belief. Speaking to Cadena SER, Rayo winger Isi Palazón made it clear the result will serve as motivation rather than intimidation.

“I’m not scared that Barça scored seven, in the end it motivates us even more,” Palazón said. “We know they’re a top team in the world, but we already competed with them here in Vallecas, we do it every season and we’ll do it again on Sunday.”

The numbers back up his confidence. Across their last nine La Liga meetings, Barcelona have managed only three victories over Rayo, and since the 2021-22 campaign no opponent has taken more points off the Catalans than the Madrid-based club. With Hansi Flick’s side riding high after their European exploits, Rayo will look to continue that trend and exploit any lingering fatigue at Camp Nou.