Rayo Vallencano vs Real Madrid Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips
Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid Match Preview
Rayo Vallecano are set to welcome Real Madrid to Estadio de Vallecas this week in La Liga. The home side sit 14th in the table, while the visitors are leading the charts this season.
Iñigo Pérez, who was appointed as the interim coach, is taking charge of a side that is coming into the game after three successive losses in the league. They are on a six-match winless streak in all competitions and have picked up just one point from their last five league games.
With just one win in their last eight matches in the league, they are now just seven points clear of the drop zone. They were chasing a European spot at the start of the season but have fallen behind drastically.
Due to the club’s poor run of form, Francisco Rodriguez was sacked earlier this week following the 2-1 loss to 16th-placed Real Mallorca. Rayo Vallecano have suffered ten defeats in the league this season, with eight coming in the last 12 games.
Also Read: Rodrygo Credits Real Madrid Star Midfielder for His Progress at Bernabeu
Real Madrid is on a contrasting run to their opponents, with just one defeat this season. They extended the lead at the top to 5 points after beating second-place Girona 4-0 last week.
Los Blancos have won four of their last five matches in the league and are the team to beat this season. The only time they have dropped points in the recent matches was to derby rivals Atletico Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping that his players do not take the upcoming game lightly, as their opponents are on a poor run. Any slip-up would see Girona breathing down their neck and also help Barcelona get back into the title race.
Team News
Rayo Vallecano have just one player ruled out this week in the form of Diego Mendez. The rest of the squad is fit, and no player is doubtful or suspended for the match.
Real Madrid have a few injury worries, with four players ruled out. Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and David Alaba are out with ACL injuries, while Antonio Rudiger has a muscle injury keeping him out.
Ferland Mendy will also miss the match against Rayo Vallecano after he picked up his 5th booking of the season in the win over Girona. Vinicius Jr is also a doubt right now, but is expected to start the game.
Predicted Lineups
After taking over earlier this week, Inigo Perez is unlikely to make any drastic changes to the starting XI. He could start the match with the same team as last week and see how they fare against the league leaders.
Predicted XI: Dimitrievski, Espino, Mumin, Lejeune, Balliu, Valentín, Trejo, Frutos, Pérez, Palazón, Camello
Carlo Ancelotti does not like to rotate a lot and is likely to stick with the team that have been doing well. Jude Bellingham sat out of the win over RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League but is expected to be fit for the Real Vallecano clash.
However, the manager does have one forced change to make with Ferland Mendy suspended. Fran Garcia is expected to take the Frenchman’s place at left-back this weekend.
Predicted XI: Lunin, Vazquez, Tchouameni, Nacho, Garcia, Valverde, Kroos, Camavinga, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
Head-to-Head
(Last Five Games)
Real Madrid 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano 3-2 Real Madrid
Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano have won two of their last three home matches against Real Madrid after picking up just three wins in their previous 17 meetings in the top flight.
Prediction:
Rayo Vallecano always seem to do well when they face Real Madrid in the league. They have two wins and a draw in the last six meetings with Los Blancos and will be looking to do the same as they play their first game under Inigo Perez.
Real Madrid have not lost any of their last 18 matches in the league – picking up 14 wins on that run. They have scored in 17 of those games with the only goalless draw coming to Rayo Vallecano at home.
Also Read: Real Madrid Takes a Cautious Approach in Pursuing PSG Star Kylian Mbappe
Vallecano have never lost four matches in a row since March 2022, when Andoni Iraola managed them. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have never gone on a 19-match unbeaten streak under Carlo Ancelotti and will be aiming for record this weekend.
Predicted Score: Rayo Vallecano 0-3 Real Madrid
Betting Tips
Real Madrid to win by 2+ Goals.
Both Teams To Score: No.
Over 2.5 Goals: Yes.
Odds
Rayo Vallecano to Win: 5.75
Draw: 4.21
Real Madrid to Win: 1.66
Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid Timings & Telecast
Estadio de Vallecas – 18th February – 13:00 GMT
- India: Sony Sports Network
- United Kingdom: Viaplay UK, Viaplay Sports 2, LaLigaTV
- US: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
- Spain: Movistar, LaLiga TV, and DAZN