Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2025-04-03 19:00.
[p]After finally arresting their longest winless run of the season, Rayo Vallecano can start to look up the table again. The Red Sashes had gone five games without success (D2, L3), but a 2-0 victory over Alavés last weekend kept alive their slim chances of securing a first European campaign in 25 years, but as they sit seven points outside of the top six with nine games remaining, they still have a lot of work to do.[/p]
[p]That result also saw Iñigo PĂ©rez’s men move onto 40 points for the campaign, two more than they accumulated in the entirety of 2023/24, and this is actually Vallecano’s joint-best points tally after 29 top-flight outings since 2012/13. The last time they had 40 points at this stage – in 2022/23 – they lost six of their final nine outings (W3) and finished a disappointing 11th, something they’ll be hoping to avoid replicating this season.[/p]
[p]Espanyol will be hoping history starts to repeat itself, as one of those six defeats was inflicted by them in this corresponding fixture, and if they do so, it would see them secure a first league double over Rayo in 13 years. A victory would be a big boost to the Parakeets, who sit only a couple of points above the relegation zone after a run of three league games without a win (D2, L1), albeit Manolo González’s side can take plenty of credit for a 1-1 draw against Atlético Madrid last time out. [/p]
[p]Things have been particularly tough on the road though, with only Real Valladolid picking up fewer than their five away points in La Liga this season (W1, D2, L10). While a win seems a long shot, recent form suggests Espanyol will at least be on target, as they have netted exactly once in eight successive league outings (W2, D4, L2).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: It could be good news for Rayo Vallecano if Jorge de Frutos ends his nine-game drought, as he has won on his last ten scoring appearances at club level. Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali will look to make a different kind of impact as he has made more tackles (96) than any other player in La Liga this season.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Espanyol have lost all eight of the away league games in which they have conceded first this season.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Matt Jones[/i][/p]