Valencia head to Rayo Vallecano with their current Champions League spot still up for grabs. The visitors are in fourth place but are just two points ahead of defending Europa League champions Sevilla. With their rivals still playing in Europe, a win here could help them gain some ground. Rayo on the other hand are lingering at mid-table in eleventh place with nothing really left to play for.

These two teams met three times back in December, once for the league and twice for the Copa del Rey. Their cup ties were thrilling affairs finishing 6-5 on aggregate towards Valencia. Rayo lost 1-2 at home, but were just a goal away from snatching victory at the Mestalla in a thrilling 4-4 draw. Another goal for Rayo would have sent them through on away goals making them hard sought to see a draw.

Their league fixture was not as thrilling as their cup ties as this match was over by halftime. A Feghouli brace and a goal from Fiatti in the first half sealed the victory before Rayo could even get a sniff of the goal. Valencia’s last game was a 4-0 blowout against Granada. Two goals of each side of halftime sent the hosts to a straightforward victory. Rayo on the other hand are coming off of a 2-0 loss to Sevilla despite piling late pressure on them.

The head-to-head between these two teams is waywards towards the side of Valencia. In their 23 meetings, Valencia have reeled off 15 wins and 3 draws against them. Two of Rayo’s wins came in the last two years, as their first came over a dozen years ago. Although they have nothing to play for, Rayo should really put pressure on Valencia and force them to play away from their comfortable style.

Team News:

Rayo Vallecano: Nery Castillo and Leo Bapitstao are back in training and could be ready for tomorrow’s game. Cristian Alvarez is day-to-day and is currently questionable for tomorrow.  

 

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About the author
Noel John Alberto
Filipino-American sports journalist from Toms River, NJ. UMBC Graduate and aspiring physical therapist. Tennis editor and multi-sport coordinator for VAVEL USA. Writer for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Serie A sections of VAVEL UK. Sports aficionado. Host of the On The Line tennis podcast.