Rayo Vallecano vs Valencia
La Liga
Tuesday
19th December 2023
Campo de Futbol de Vallecas
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the La Liga fixture between Rayo Vallecano and Valencia.
Rayo Vallecano vs Valencia: Preview
Rayo Vallecano form analysis
Vallecano have struggled to find consistent form in recent La Liga matches. On November 11th, they took an early lead at home through Álvaro García but went on to suffer a disappointing 2-1 loss to Girona after conceding twice in the second half. Rayo bounced back well on November 25th to hold Barcelona to a creditable 1-1 home draw, taking the lead through captain Unai López before seeing it canceled out late by Fran Lejeune’s own goal. However, Rayo were then brought firmly down to earth on December 2nd, falling to a humbling 4-0 thrashing away to high-flying Athletic Bilbao.
Hoping to respond, Rayo returned home to face Celta Vigo on December 12th but had to settle for a goalless stalemate. And frustration continued on December 16th away to Osasuna, as Rayo performed well and looked set for a point before a 90th minute strike from Raúl García snatched victory for the hosts. Throughout this spell, Rayo have struggled defensively while their attack has recently misfired. Addressing these issues will be crucial for to turn around Rayo’s form and climb the table. After an inconsistent first half of the season.
Valencia form analysis
It has been a difficult period recently for Valencia in La Liga. On November 12th, they were dismantled in a humbling 5-1 thrashing away to Real Madrid. Who led 4-0 at halftime before Hugo Duro grabbed a late consolation. Valencia then hosted Celta Vigo on November 25th and ground out a dour goalless draw. Seeking more attacking impetus, they visited Girona on December 2nd and took a second half lead through Duro before seeing it slip away late, falling to two Cristhian Stuani goals in the final 10 minutes.
Still struggling for wins, Valencia then welcomed Getafe on December 9th but fell 1-0 to Borja Mayoral’s late winner in a game marred by three red cards. Most recently on December 17th, Valencia produced an improved display when Barcelona visited but ultimately had to settle for a 1-1 draw despite equalizing through Hugo Guillamón after going behind. Over this period Valencia have mainly struggled for attacking spark and fluidity between a host of new signings. While defensively they were ripped apart by Madrid. Finding the right balance and gaining consistency in performances will be key to turn things around after an underwhelming first half of the campaign.
