The final international break of 2023 is behind us and Barcelona begin a very important stretch of games to end the year that will in many ways decide their fate in both and the Champions League.
The first test is away to Rayo Vallecano, a team Xavi Hernández is yet to beat since taking over as manager two years ago. The boss was able to relieve some of the pressure he was under after the comeback win against Alavés two weeks ago, but the standard of performances has dropped significantly in recent times and the tough games ahead will demand much better production from the coach and the players.