Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-01-01 16:00.
La Liga (LL) action returns on Tuesday with a Madrid derby, when eighth-placed Getafe take on fellow mid-table club Rayo Vallecano, as José Bordalás’ side look to build upon a strong first half of the season. With only one defeat across all competitions since late September (W6, D7), the Azulones are on track for their first top-ten LL finish since 2018/19.
They’ve lost the advantage of having their home crowd on side here, as due to violent clashes between Getafe and Tenerife fans back in 2017, this game will be played behind closed doors at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium after Getafe lost a lengthy appeals process. Their unbeaten record at their home ground so far in this campaign will mean little on this occasion, but they can be inspired by a late comeback to draw 3-3 against Atlético at this very ground in their last outing prior to the pause over Christmas.
But for Rayo Vallecano, who are six points behind their opponents in 11th, this neutral venue could be just what is required to turn their form around. Across their last eight LL matches before Christmas, Francisco’s team didn’t pick up a single win (D4, L4), failed to score in their last four and have in the medium term picked up just one LL victory from Round 6 onwards (D8, L4).
Fortunately for the Red Sashes, they had a strong start to the campaign which leaves them a fairly comfortable seven points above the relegation zone. Francisco’s team must start picking up wins again soon or else their current stint in the top-flight, which began two seasons ago, will be under threat, and they’ll hope their revival starts against a Getafe side they haven’t lost to since 2019 (W1, D3).
Key battle: After contributing to Getafe’s remarkable comeback in the last round, Ă“scar RodrĂguez will be looking for his first competitive goal against Vallecano at the eighth attempt. Standing between him and the back of the net will be Rayo keeper Stole Dimitrievski who has not conceded more than once across each of his last three appearances.
Hot stat: Rayo Vallecano have scored only three goals across their last seven LL away games.