Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-02-17 13:00.
There was significant upheaval at Rayo Vallecano during the week as manager Francisco paid for a six-match winless streak (D1, L5) with his job. After a flying start to this La Liga season, Vallecano have since dropped into the bottom half, starting the round just seven points above the relegation zone. Last Sunday’s defeat at Mallorca saw them lose by a 2-1 scoreline for a third consecutive time.
With better defensive performances high up on the agenda of new boss Iñigo Pérez, he’ll also need to find a way to improve home form as they haven’t won a league fixture here since mid-September (D5, L4), losing the last three. There’s perhaps no harder immediate task than league leaders Real Madrid, who have scored 2+ goals in a league-best 16 La Liga games heading into this round. That said, Vallecano were firing on all cylinders up front to overcome them 3-2 in this corresponding fixture last season!
That will make the visitors a little wary, but they’re on a roll at the moment, both five points clear at the top of the table and in the driving seat of their Champions League last 16 tie against RB Leipzig after a 1-0 midweek win in Germany. Their ongoing injury crisis may prevent manager Carlo Ancelotti from rotating too much, especially after match-winner Brahim DĂaz limped off with a calf problem.
Regardless of who Ancelotti has pressed into service to cover absences, particularly in defence, Los Blancos have got the job done in recent weeks, especially away from home where they’re undefeated in league action since late September (W6, D2). With an even record in Madrid league derbies this season as the visiting side (W1, L1), they’ll take nothing for granted as their last four H2H visits were all decided by one-goal margins (W2, L2).
Players to watch: Isi PalazĂłn has scored all three of his La Liga goals this term for Vallecano before half-time. In contrast, Rodrygo, who made his 200th Madrid appearance during the week (G50, A36), has netted his last three goals after the 60th minute, including one against Girona last weekend (W 4-0).
Hot stat: Madrid conceded in the first half in just one of their last 13 La Liga games (HT: W7, D5, L1).