Getafe Rayo Vallecano prediction 2023-02-12

Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-02-11 13:00.
Despite manager Quique SĂĄnchez Flores recently questioning the commitment of his players, Getafe displayed their grit by ending a four-match losing La Liga (LL) run with a valiant 1-1 draw at AtlĂ©tico Madrid. Sitting two points from safety in the bottom three, they need to find some more of that spirit as they prepare for the visit of in-form Rayo Vallecano in the ‘other’ Madrid derby.

The hosts seemingly have a mountain to climb considering they’re winless and scoreless in their last three H2Hs (D2, L1), and Madrid derbies have been equally as unkind to Getafe too, having failed to win any of their last seven such LL matchups (D3, L4). It’s not all doom and gloom for Getafe though, with their current LL record (W4, D6, L10) identical to that of this stage last season, a campaign in which they heroically escaped relegation!

Jubilant Rayo fans are far more upbeat, and appeared to poke fun at Premier League side Liverpool by chanting "Next year, Rayo-Liverpool" after a 2-0 triumph over AlmerĂ­a propelled them into the Europa League spots. They’ve never been as high as fifth after 20 games in their LL history and sitting just three points behind third-placed AtlĂ©tico Madrid ahead of the round, something special could be unfolding for a side who have only featured in UEFA competition once back in 2000/01.

The Franjirrojos’ impressive exploits have also led to managerless Leeds United showing interest in boss Andoni Iraola, though the club have reportedly blocked that move. For now Iraola remains, and fans might feel confident of another triumph considering Rayo are five LL games unbeaten on their travels (W3, D2), their longest unbeaten top-flight away run since the turn of the century!

Players to watch: Getafe top-scorer Enes Ünal could be key if they’re to move out of the bottom three here, having grabbed five goal contributions from his last eight appearances (G2, A3). Perhaps Rayo’s Álvaro García will be the difference maker again however, after coming off the bench last time out to strike the fastest LL goal from a substitute since February 2020!

Hot streak: Each of Rayo’s last six LL away wins have arrived ‘to-nil’.