Rayo Vallecano vs Real Sociedad prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-10-28 15:15.
Spectators at Rayo Vallecano games have been warned not to leave until the final whistle! A 92nd minute penalty secured three points for Rayo away at Las Palmas last Sunday and was their third game in a row that a goal had been scored in the 90th minute or later.
The Red Sashes earned a point at home to Real Mallorca courtesy of a 102nd minute penalty at the end of September before throwing away a 2-0 half-time lead at Sevilla, with the equaliser arriving in the 96th minute, ahead of the international break earlier this month. The late goals have coincided with an unbeaten La Liga (LL) run for Rayo which now totals six games (W2, D4), and they come into this weekend’s round of fixtures in seventh place, just outside the European places.
Two positions and two points above Rayo sit Real Sociedad who arrive in Madrid targeting a third victory across all competitions after beating Real Mallorca with a solitary goal last weekend, before winning by the same scoreline away at Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Such has been the strength at the back of Imanol Alguacil’s side that only one team – third-placed Atletico Madrid – have scored against them across their last six matches (W5, L1). This defensive solidity has played a big part in an uptick in form which has seen them progress from winning only one of their opening five LL games (D3, L1) to recording victories in five of their last seven in the league (L2). The chances of extending that run of good form seem likely based on recent H2H history, with Sociedad unbeaten against Rayo in the last nine meetings (W5, D4).
Players to watch: Alvaro Garcia was substituted for goalscorer Bebé in Rayo’s last game, but he scored in both of the previous two LL matches and has three goals so far this season. Attacking-midfielder Brais Méndez is in fine form having scored both of Sociedad’s last two goals and three of their last four.
Hot stat: Rayo have not scored 3+ goals in any of their last 35 LL games (W11, D11, L13), a run which takes them back to early November 2022.