The title race in Spain has seen some interesting results lately, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid fumbling a couple of times yet keeping a minimum distance from one another. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will now have a somewhat troublesome task of playing Rayo Vallecano on the road – a team that has a knack for late goals and against which Real has had troubles as of late.
Rayo Vallecano Team News
Rayo Vallecano snapped a three-game losing streak with their recent win against Valencia, and for now, they have stabilized in mid-table. Prior to this run of defeats, their home form was fairly solid, with two of those three losses occurring on home turf. One thing is clear: Rayo frequently finds the back of the net at home, having scored in their last seven fixtures at Vallecas. However, their defensive vulnerabilities are evident, as they’ve managed just one clean sheet during this stretch, highlighting that while the team is capable of scoring, their defence often lets them down.
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid had a busy midweek, as Carlo Ancelotti’s side travelled to Italy to face an in-form Atalanta. The match ended in a thrilling 2-3 victory for Los Blancos, a result that will surely boost their confidence heading into their next match at Vallecas. On the domestic front, Real’s form has been strong, with four wins in their last five league games. What’s even more impressive is that their last four La Liga victories have come without conceding a goal, despite earlier defensive concerns. A win here is crucial for Los Blancos, as they sit just two points behind title contenders Barcelona.
Head-to-Head-Games
Looking at the last five head-to-head encounters, Real Madrid holds a slight advantage with two victories over Rayo Vallecano, compared to one win for the latter. However, the two most recent meetings between these teams ended in draws. At home, Rayo Vallecano has secured two wins against Real Madrid in their last five meetings, with three of those five games featuring goals from both sides.
| Rank | Teams | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal difference | Points | Current form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Rayo Vallecano | 17 | 5 | 6 | 6 | -1 | 21 | LLWDD |
| Rank | Teams | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal difference | Points | Current form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Real Madrid | 17 | 11 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 37 | WWLWD |
Rayo Vallecano – Real Madrid Betting Prediction
In recent seasons, Rayo Vallecano has consistently made life difficult for Real Madrid, often pushing them hard and taking something from their encounters. While Los Blancos’ league form remains solid, their overall head-to-head record against Rayo is less than reassuring. My prediction for this match is that both teams will score. The hosts are known for their attacking play, particularly at home, but they also struggle defensively. Real Madrid, on the other hand, may be fatigued after their midweek European commitments and are dealing with injury concerns. Additionally, their recent performances at Vallecas have left much to be desired, as trips to this ground have traditionally been challenging for them.
Betting Tip: Both Teams To Score: Yes
Bookmaker: Stake
Odds: 1.87
Stake
Place your bet on Rayo Vallecano – Real Madrid at Stake