After suffering a demoralising defeat last week, you would be forgiven for thinking that Paco Jemez's Rayo Vallecano side are low on confidence. Yet, as they prepare to host Granada at the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas on Saturday night, all at the club insist their style will not change.
"This team has a very clear identity"
- Raul Baena
Rayo midfielder Raul Baena is adament that his side will not alter for the visit of Granada, who occupy the final relegation spot in La Liga. "This team has a very clear identity, we want to create danger for our opponents by having the ball and we want to be the protagonists in every game," Baena told a press conference. "We play in the same way we have been training since pre-season, from one game to the next. Our form of playing is non-negotiable, this is the only way we will play."
Rayo's heavy 6-1 defeat to Barcelona last weekend is a blip in what otherwise has been a decent run of form, with wins coming against Villarreal and Levante at home in recent weeks. Coach Jemez will be looking for his side's third home win in a row as they prepare to host La Liga strugglers Granada, as Rayo look to secure their survival for another season.
"They commit errors"
- Ruben Rochina
Granada are struggling this season, but striker Ruben Rochina hopes his side can pounce on any errors Rayo make on Saturday night. "It's very difficult to know how to cause Rayo damage, it will depend a lot on how we go out onto the pitch and how intense we are," the former Rayo forward told a press conference. "But they can commit errors because of the way they play and that could be key."
Despite being second-bottom of La Liga, Granada will have renewed confidence after picking up their first victory in five fixtures over Málaga last weekend. Ignacio Camacho own goal gave Abel Resino's side a much-needed three points, as they face an uphill struggle for survival. Should Resino's side take something positive away from the trip to Rayo this weekend, it might just give them the boost they need.