Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-12-13 20:00.
[p]Rayo Vallecano ended a run of three straight La Liga defeats by beating Valencia 1-0 away last weekend to remain in a mid-table position with a game in hand over those immediately above them. Next up they take on near-neighbours Real Madrid having achieved the admirable feat of drawing both H2Hs last term, whilst there has been additional interest surrounding James RodrĂguez’s impending return to his former club.[/p]
[p]As the Colombian has only featured in Copa del Rey action since the international break, a starring role seems unlikely as Vallecano look to build on an impressive record of losing only one of the last four home H2Hs (W2, D1). But after suffering back-to-back home league defeats, they may have their work cut out to avoid losing three La Liga fixtures in a row here for the first time since a streak that ended in February.[/p]
[p]Real Madrid came out on top of a pulsating UEFA Champions League game against Atalanta in midweek, winning 3-2 with Jude Bellingham, Kylian MbappĂ© and VinĂcius JĂşnior all scoring. MbappĂ© made an early exit through injury, adding to the reigning La Liga champions’ issues, but  that will have been offset by VinĂcius’ goalscoring return, which is undoubtedly a big boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.[/p]
[p]Problems remain at the back, where he is still missing key defenders, although they did well enough to keep a clean sheet at Girona (W 3-0) last weekend. Trailing leaders and rivals Barcelona by two points with a game in hand, the title race is heating up and more entertainment could be on the cards after each of Los Blancos’ last four league away games produced exactly three goals (W3, L1).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Vallecano midfielder Pathé Ciss has had an eventful December, earning a yellow card against Athletic (L 2-1), a red card against Unionistas in the cup (W 3-2) and then scoring the winner against Valencia (W 1-0). Visiting boss Ancelotti singled out “spectacular” Dani Ceballos for special praise after the Atalanta win and Vallecano have reason to fear him as, in his last appearance against them in May 2023, he set up a late winner for Rodrygo (W 2-1).[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Four of the last five H2Hs were level at half-time (Madrid led 1-0 in the exception).[/p]
[p][i]Written by John Pennington[/i][/p]