Rayo Vallecano has been nurturing European dreams for several months, but the Madrid side’s disappointing performance since last February has dampened the enthusiasm of the red-and-white fans and shown that the Matagigantes are probably not yet ready to achieve such an important goal. Yes, because Inigo Perez’s team has barely managed one win in the last two months, against Alavés on March 29.
After that success, Rayo suffered two consecutive defeats, revealing worrying limitations when not in possession of the ball. First, there was a terrifying 0-4 home defeat to Espanyol, a team fighting for survival, then another fairly decisive defeat at San Mamés against Athletic Bilbao (3-1).
Yet seventh place, which will most likely mean Conference League football at the end of the season, is still within reach for the Vallecas club, which is only three points behind Celta Vigo. To try to close the gap, Rayo Vallecano will have to return to winning ways at home, something it has not done since February. However, it will be difficult to break the deadlock against one of the most in-form teams of late, Carlos Corberan’s Valencia. The Pipistrelli, back on track under the coach who arrived mid-season from West Bromwich, have won four of their last five games and, more generally, have not lost in around two months. Salvation is getting closer for Valencia, who are only three points behind Rayo Vallecano. If they continue at this pace, they could be in for a truly exciting end to the season.
Odds comparison
The “X2” sign is quoted at 1.60 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. The “Under 2.5” sign is quoted at 1.53 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.55 on Snai.
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The prediction
Valencia’s form cannot be underestimated, as they have what it takes to get a positive result away from home against a Rayo side that is a shadow of the team we saw in the first half of the season. The Bats have conceded only two goals in their last four games, so there is a high probability that the total number of goals will be less than three.
Probable line-ups for Rayo Vallecano-Valencia
RAYO VALLECANO (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Aridane, Chavarria; Ciss, Gumbau; de Frutos, Pedro Diaz, Alvaro Garcia; Nteka.
VALENCIA (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Mosquera, Tarrega, Gayà; Barrenechea, Guerra; Rioja, Almeida, Diego Lopez; Sadiq.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1