Osasuna will host Rayo Vallecano with both teams enduring a disappointing run of form. In the La Liga standings, Osasuna, ranked 14th, has lost their past six league games. Rayo is ranked 10th and has not won at this level since October 22.
Preview (Osasuna vs. Rayo Vallecano)
Osasuna made it to the Copa del Rey final and placed eighth in La Liga the previous season. The team’s 2023–24 campaign has been poor thus far. They have 16 points from 16 league games this season—four wins, four draws, and eight losses. Los Rojillos are now ranked 14th in the standings going into the upcoming slate of games. After defeating Granada 2-0 on October 20, Osasuna has lost three and drawn three. Since then, they have not won in the league.
Jagoba Arrasate’s team has drawn with Las Palmas, Real Sociedad, and Cadiz in three of their past four league games. Their most recent defeat came on November 26 when they lost 3-1 to Villarreal. Osasuna has a strong recent record against Rayo in the top flight of Spain. They have won three of their last four meetings, including a 2-1 victory in the season-opening match. This should give them confidence going into this encounter. Rayo, on the other hand, comes into this game having lost their last six games.
Francisco’s team is currently in 10th place in the standings with 20 points after 16 league games this season, with a record of four victories, eight draws, and four losses. Along with Real Betis and Mallorca, Rayo has been the league’s draw specialist this season. Los Franjirrojos has ended in 12th and 11th place in their previous two seasons at this level of football, so it wouldn’t be shocking if they ended up in a similar spot this year. Their lack of goals will probably prevent them from pushing for a spot in the top seven. Alvaro Garcia leads the capital team in goals scored with four, even though they have only scored 16 goals in the top division of Spain this season.
Team News
Due to injuries, Johan Mojica, Ruben Pena, and Mike Barja will not be available for selection for Osasuna on Friday. Nonetheless, Catena’s return from suspension will benefit the hosts. It is anticipated that the defender will start this match again. Although head coach Arrasate has a lot of options when it comes to forward positions, Ante Budimir is once again a lock to start after a stellar personal season that has seen him score eight goals in Spain’s top division.
Francisco, the manager of Rayo, is working to find the ideal combination in the offensive departments as Jorge de Frutos has only scored once this season and both Raul de Tomas and Sergio Camello have failed to score in the league. Radamel Falcao and Bebe both have one league goal between them in 2023–24, but neither is anticipated to be considered for a start in this game. Alfonso Espino, who served his ban, will rejoin the team on Friday.
Osasuna 0-0 Rayo Vallecano
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