Rayo Vallecano vs Betis prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-01-07 15:15.
Only a handful of points separate the several clubs chasing title contenders Real Madrid and Barcelona for the remaining UEFA Champions League places, so needless to say the stakes are high in this clash between Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis, both of whom remain entrenched in that top-half logjam after drawing on their return to La Liga (LL) action after the World Cup.
No club currently boasts a longer unbeaten streak in LL than the hosts (W3, D4) after their 2-2 draw at Girona in which they conceded both goals from the penalty spot. Their six consecutive LL home games without defeat (W4, D2), which included a momentous 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in November, now sets up a great opportunity for manager Andoni Iraola to earn his first win against Betis in five attempts (D2, L2).
Unfortunately for Betis, they picked up where they left off prior to the World Cup, with their 0-0 at home to Athletic Bilbao their third consecutive LL game without a win (D2, L1). That’s now their longest drought of this league season, leaving them two points behind where they were at this stage of 2021/22 prior to securing fifth place.
Despite occupying the last European place ahead of the round, that Athletic result leaves the visitors in a vulnerable position particularly having played their midweek Copa del Rey game two days after Rayo – a particular point of frustration for manager Manuel Pellegrini: “It does not seem logical to me”. When considering the quick backup and their unenviable W1, L3 record as LL away outsiders this season, recent history appears to point to another miserable day for Pellegrini.
Players to watch: In addition to opening the scoring in their last league outing, Sergio Camello has also scored in two LL home wins for Vallecano this season. Betis’ Borja Iglesias has already been identified as a transfer target for many clubs, and with goals in six of Betis’ seven LL wins this season, it’s easy to see why.
Hot streak: Pellegrini’s last seven personal meetings with Vallecano have seen both teams score.