Rayo Vallecano’s impressive six-game unbeaten run will face a tough challenge as they host Real Sociedad at Estadio de Vallecas in Spain’s top flight on Sunday afternoon.
Match Preview
Currently sitting in seventh place in the La Liga table, Rayo Vallecano has accumulated 16 points from their first 10 matches.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad occupies the fifth spot with 18 points from their opening 10 games of the season.
Rayo Vallecano experienced a low point in August when they suffered a devastating 7-0 defeat at home against Atletico Madrid.
However, they have shown resilience since then, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches.
They have secured victories against Alaves and Las Palmas, as well as draws against Villarreal, Cadiz, Mallorca, and Sevilla.
With four wins, four draws, and two defeats, Rayo Vallecano currently sits just two points behind their upcoming opponents in the league standings.
In the past two seasons, Rayo finished 12th and 11th in La Liga after their promotion, but this season they appear capable of aiming higher.
A realistic target for the capital side is to replicate their eighth-place finish from the 2012-13 campaign.
However, Rayo Vallecano has struggled against Real Sociedad in recent years, failing to secure a victory in La Liga since January 2015.
Real Sociedad emerged victorious in both league encounters during the 2022-23 season, including a 2-0 win in their last meeting.
Real Sociedad enters this match in strong form, having won six of their last seven games across all competitions.
They secured a crucial 1-0 away victory against Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night, placing them at the top of their European section with seven points.
In La Liga, Imanol Alguacil’s side has accumulated 18 points from 10 matches, currently occupying the fifth position.
However, they are four points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand. Real Sociedad will be keen to close this gap and avoid being left behind by the top four, which includes Girona.
Real Sociedad suffered a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid before the international break but bounced back with a 1-0 victory against Mallorca in their last league fixture.
The upcoming matches against Barcelona and Benfica in La Liga and the Champions League respectively will be crucial for Real Sociedad.
These fixtures will test their mettle and determine their ability to compete at the highest level.
Team News:
Rayo Vallecano will be without attacker Randy Nteka due to a muscular issue, while Oscar Valentin is suspended following his red card against Las Palmas.
Unai Lopez is expected to replace Valentin in the midfield.
Jorge de Frutos is pushing for involvement in the attacking line, and Sergio Camello might be introduced as the center-forward, potentially replacing Raul de Tomas.
Real Sociedad will be missing Hamari Traore, Andre Silva, Alvaro Odriozola, Kieran Tierney, and Martin Merquelanz due to fitness concerns.
Aritz Elustondo is likely to start at right-back, stepping in for the injured Traore.
Head coach Alguacil will assess the fitness of his players before finalizing the starting lineup, but it is expected to be similar to the previous match, with Mikel Oyarzabal potentially leading the attack.
Predicted Lineups:
Rayo Vallecano:
Dimitrievski;
Balliu, Aridane, Lejeune, Espino;
Palazon, Ciss, U Lopez, A Garcia;
De Frutos, Camello
Real Sociedad:
Remiro;
Elustondo, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Munoz;
Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino;
Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
Prediction:
Real Sociedad needs to secure victories in matches like these to maintain their top-four aspirations.
However, considering Rayo’s unbeaten streak and Real Sociedad’s recent Champions League commitments, a draw seems likely.
- We predict a 1-1 draw between Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad.
