Rayo Vallecano vs Valladolid Predictions

This Sunday’s clash in La Liga sees Rayo Vallecano play their first game since their relegation to the Segunda Division was confirmed. Real Valladolid are desperately trying to avoid the same fate and they could potentially secure their survival if they can win this game and Levante do them a favour against Girona.

Two priceless home wins over the past few weeks have ensured they head into the final two games just outside of the relegation zone. They beat Athletic 1-0 last time out at the Jose Zorrilla thanks to a goal from Waldo Rubio. Their final game is against top four hopefuls Valencia though so they’ll see this as a better chance to get the win that would move them past 40 points and potentially to safety.

Rayo Vallecano meanwhile saw their hopes disappear with a heavy 4-1 loss at Levante last time out. They’d impressively beaten Real Madrid just before that to give new hope to their survival push but this won’t be the huge six pointer it might have been. Paco Jemez’s side have nothing to play for now but pride although they’ll be keen to try to avoid the wooden spoon with a one point advantage on bottom club Huesca heading into this game.

The bookies make Valladolid the clear favourites. They clearly will be the more motivated side but in terms of attacking quality they are quite limited. They’ve only scored 0.83 goals per game this season in La Liga and are the lowest scorers in the division. 7 defeats and only 1 win from their 10 away games so far in 2019 also suggests they may struggle to get the win they so badly need here.

Rayo have been in decent form at home. They’ve not lost any of their last 4 league games in Vallecas, taking 8 points. Even heading into the Real Madrid game, their relegation looked effectively confirmed but they still pulled a performance out of the bag and there’s no reason why they can’t do likewise here.

Rayo average 1.17 points per home game this season and have only lost 3 of their last 12 at Vallecas. That’s not a bad record for a side that has been relegated with two games to spare. Valladolid have more points but in truth have shown less quality in midfield or up top this season with a few edgy 1-0 wins getting them to this point. Overall backing Rayo Vallecano Double Chance could be worth a punt.