Lionel Messi will be back today when Barcelonavisit Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de Vallecas for a Round 16 game of the 2020/21 Copa del Rey. The Argentine superstar was banned for two matches after being expelled in the Supercopa de España against Athletic Bilbao. It was the first time that the 33-year-old forward was sent off in a gameplaying for the Spanish giants. Here, you will find everything there is to know about this soccer match, such as predictions, odds, storylines, and how to watch the game.

The Vallecans come from beating Elche in the prior round with a 2-0 win. They will try to surprise the Catalan giants with a win at home to continue their good pace in the Spanish tournament.

Barcelona are here after beating Cornella with the exact same result of Rayo vs Elche, easily beating them without Messi, who missed that game for Ronald Koeman’s side that will have a more complex rival this Wednesday.

Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona: Match Information

Date: Wednesday, 27 January 2021
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Location: Estadio de Vallecas, Madrid

Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona: Time By State In The U.S.

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona: Storylines

Rayo come from the very first round of the competition and they’ve had easy and hard matches along the way. Now they will face the biggest challenge they could have faced right now in Barcelona, always favorites to win this tournament.

Barcelona tried to win the first tournament of the season in the Spanish Super Cup but they didn’t find success against Athletic Club. The Blaugrana know this competition is important and they will do everything to advance to the last-8 stage.

This will be the first time these two teams clash in this competition. In the La Liga, they have clashed 36 times, with Barcelona winning 24 games, Rayo winning 4 and tying 8 times.

Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona: Copa del Rey Top Scorers

Rayo Vallecano: Andrés Martín (2)
Barcelona: Martin Braithwaite, Ousmane Dembele (1 goal each)

How to watch or live stream online Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona in the U.S.

ESPN+ will be in charge of broadcasting this game between Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona in the 2020/21 Copa del Rey Round of 16 in the United States.

Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona: Predictions and Odds

Barcelona are the clear favorites to win this game, according to oddsmakers, who gave them -350 odds entering this match. The Red Sashes received +750 odds while the tie would result in a +390 payout.

FanDuel
Rayo +750
Tie +390
Barcelona -350

* Odds via FanDuel