FC Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona's bid for a third straight La Liga title hits a brutal early stretch — this Rayo Vallecano visit caps three matches in eight days, after facing Elche and Athletic Club. It's the champions' first home league test, with Rayo looking to prove last term's surprise run was no one-off. Hansi Flick's side arrive off a 94-point title-winning season, boosted by summer signings Joao Cancelo and Rodri, with Lamine Yamal — LaLiga's reigning Player of the Season, 16 goals and 12 assists last term — the biggest threat defenses face. Rayo Vallecano, under Iñigo Pérez, reached the Conference League final against Crystal Palace and have already booked European football again via the playoffs, led by Sergio Camello, Isi Palazón, Álvaro García and Jorge De Frutos. History favors Barcelona heavily: 17 wins from 23 meetings to Rayo's 3, though last August's reverse fixture finished 1-1. Our prediction: 3-1