Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid: Rayo Vallecano host Real Madrid in an exciting Madrid derby at the Estadio de Vallecas. Both teams will look to secure crucial points as Real Madrid chase Barcelona in the title race, while Rayo Vallecano aim to solidify their position in mid-table. Expect a clash of styles as Rayo’s defensive resilience meets Madrid’s attacking firepower.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Meetings: 8
- Rayo Vallecano Wins: 7
- Draws: 5
- Real Madrid Wins: 32
Last 5 Meetings:
- February 18, 2024: Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Real Madrid
- November 6, 2023: Real Madrid 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
- May 24, 2023: Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
- November 8, 2022: Rayo Vallecano 3-2 Real Madrid
- February 26, 2022: Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Real Madrid
La Liga Standings (Before Match)
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | Goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Real Madrid | 16 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 34:13 | 36 |
| 12 | Rayo Vallecano | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 15:16 | 19 |
Lineups
Rayo Vallecano (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper: Augusto Batalla
- Defenders: Andrei Ratiu, Abdul Mumin, Florian Lejeune, Pep Chavarria
- Midfielders: Isi Palazon, Oscar Valentin, Pathe Ciss, Alvaro Garcia
- Forwards: Jorge De Frutos, Randy Nteka
Real Madrid (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rudiger, Francisco Garcia
- Midfielders: Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde
- Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
10 Key Stats
- The most common result between these teams when Rayo hosts is 2-3 (4 matches).
- Rayo Vallecano’s home record: 3 wins in 16 meetings with Real Madrid at Vallecas.
- Real Madrid have only lost 1 of their last 5 games against Rayo Vallecano in all competitions.
- Top scorers: Kylian Mbappe (9 goals, Real Madrid) vs Jorge De Frutos (3 goals, Rayo Vallecano).
- Real Madrid scores 35% of their goals between the 61st and 75th minutes.
- Rayo Vallecano scores 33% of their goals in the opening 15 minutes – the highest in the league.
- Real Madrid’s away record this season: 4 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss.
- Real Madrid has outscored Rayo in head-to-head games with a combined total of 81-29 over 32 meetings.
- Rayo Vallecano has failed to score in 3 of their last 7 home matches.
- Real Madrid is undefeated in their last 8 away matches in La Liga.
SWOT Analysis: Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid
Rayo Vallecano
Strengths
- Home Advantage: Playing at Estadio de Vallecas, where they have had memorable results, including a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in November 2022.
- Early Goal Threat: Scores 33% of their goals in the opening 15 minutes, the highest in La Liga.
- Key Player Performance: Isi Palazon and Jorge De Frutos can create opportunities and trouble Madrid’s defense.
- Mid-table Cushion: Less pressure than Madrid to win, allowing for a more relaxed approach to the game.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent Form: Losing 4 of their last 6 La Liga matches.
- Poor Head-to-Head Record: Only 3 wins at home against Real Madrid in 16 attempts.
- Defensive Vulnerability: A negative goal difference (15:16) in the league this season.
- Struggles When Trailing: Wins only 22% of matches when conceding first at home.
Opportunities
- Recent Draws in H2H: The last two meetings ended in draws, indicating potential to disrupt Madrid’s dominance.
- Madrid’s Midfield Shuffle: Real Madrid’s midfield could lack cohesion due to recent rotations, offering chances to press and capitalize on errors.
- Underestimation: As an underdog, Rayo can take advantage if Madrid underestimates their tactical discipline and resilience.
Threats
- Madrid’s Form: Real Madrid has been in good form, with only two losses in 16 league games.
- Superior Quality in Attack: Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior bring unmatched pace and finishing ability.
- Defensive Solidity: Real Madrid has not failed to score in any away game this season.
- Pressure from Early Goals: Madrid’s ability to dominate possession could nullify Rayo’s early goal-scoring tendency.
Real Madrid
Strengths
- Attacking Firepower: The trio of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Brahim Diaz is capable of dismantling any defense.
- Superior Head-to-Head Record: Dominates the matchup historically with 25 wins in 32 meetings.
- Defensive Record: Conceded only 13 goals in 16 league games, showcasing a strong backline.
- Clutch Performance: Wins 75% of games when leading 1-0 away, showing their ability to close out matches effectively.
Weaknesses
- Occasional Away Wobbles: A record of 4-3-1 away from home shows some vulnerability.
- Over-reliance on Star Players: Dependence on Mbappe and Vinicius for goals could be risky if they are neutralized.
- Sluggish Starts: Rayo’s ability to score early could expose Madrid’s defense in the opening minutes.
Opportunities
- Chasing the Title: A win keeps the pressure on Barcelona at the top of the table.
- Weak Rayo Defense: Rayo’s negative goal difference and form provide opportunities for a high-scoring performance.
- Exploit Set Pieces: Madrid’s aerial threat can capitalize on Rayo’s defensive lapses on set plays.
Threats
- Derby Pressure: Local derbies can be unpredictable, with emotions often influencing performances.
- Rayo’s Tactical Discipline: The hosts can frustrate Madrid by defending deep and breaking on the counter.
- Player Fatigue: A packed fixture schedule may affect Madrid’s sharpness.
Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid Prediction
Rayo Vallecano’s resilience at home will be tested by a Real Madrid side in excellent form. While Rayo can be a tough opponent in derby matches, Real Madrid’s quality and depth make them the favorites.
Predicted Score:
Rayo Vallecano 0-2 Real Madrid
