Real Mallorca vs Rayo Vallecano
La Liga
Sunday
11th February 2024
Iberostar Estadi
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the La Liga fixture between Real Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano.
Real Mallorca vs Rayo Vallecano: Preview
Real Mallorca form analysis
Mallorca suffered something of a reality check across their past five games, failing to win since a 1-1 home draw with Celta Vigo in mid-January. This run began with a narrow 1-0 loss away at mighty Real Madrid despite competing well for large periods. Hopes were then raised after fighting back to claim that point against Celta – Canada striker Cyle Larin levelling after Iago Aspas’ opener. However, three consecutive single goal defeats followed starting with a cruel last minute loss at home to Villarreal.
Despite dominant spells, Mallorca failed to take chances before losing to an injury time Sorloth strike. Narrow home losses next to Real Betis and then most recently Athletic Bilbao provided additional frustration. Lacking ruthlessness in attack, Mallorca failed to capitalise on positive spells. Creating clearer chances must now be the priority for the manager. If able to convert territorial dominance into efforts on goal, Mallorca have enough about them defensively to pull away from relegation danger.
Rayo Vallecano form analysis
Rayo Vallecano’s form has fluctuated across their past five La Liga games leaving them hovering in mid-table. This spell began with an excellent 2-0 away victory at Getafe as two clinical Camello strikes in as many minutes downed their mid-table hosts. However, the manager was unable to build momentum from that platform. A disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Las Palmas checked Rayo’s progress as defensive issues persisted and they failed to create chances.
What followed though was back-to-back narrow defeats against tricky opponents. First a goalless home draw with Real Sociedad provided a solid point before a cruel last gasp 2-1 loss away at Atletico Madrid, despite levelling through Alvaro Garcia. Most recently, starting fast but fading badly at home to crisis club Sevilla resulted in a 2-1 loss. Lacking game management, Rayo desperately need more productivity from Camello alongside veteran striker Radamel Falcao if they are to pull away from trouble.
Real Mallorca vs Rayo Vallecano: Prediction
The last three La Liiga games at this venue have produced an average of 2.66 goals. Vallecano’s last five away league matches have witnessed two goals on average. Therefore, we are unlikely to see fewer than two goals this weekend.
