Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano
La Liga
Saturday
27th January 2024
Reale Seguros Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the La Liga fixture between Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano.
Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano: Preview
Real Sociedad form analysis
Txuri-Urdin come into their next match looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats. A 1-0 loss away at Celta Vigo made it back-to-back LaLiga losses, following a painful 2-1 derby defeat at home to rivals Athletic Bilbao. Indeed, scoring goals has been an issue for La Real recently, netting just once across these last three winless matches. Finding more productivity in attack is crucial if they are to reignite their top four bid.
Defensive issues have also emerged, shipping four goals in their last two outings. Tightening up at the back, particularly from set pieces, is vital. But with Real Sociedad still sitting 6th six points off fifth and fourth, their fortunes could turn quickly. Getting influential captain Mikel Merino fit again will aid their cause. But rediscovering their attacking fluency is the immediate priority if they are to get their season back on track after a disappointing January.
Rayo Vallecano form analysis
Rayo Vallecano come into their next match looking to bounce back after back-to-back defeats. A 2-0 home loss to Las Palmas in the Copa del Rey was particularly damaging, highlighting issues at both ends of the pitch. Rayo failed to register a shot on target and had goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski sent off as they crashed out against Segunda Division opposition.
That upset followed a disappointing 1-0 defeat away at mid-table Getafe in their previous LaLiga outing. Having excelled going forward during their unbeaten run, Rayo’s lack of attacking threat will be a real worry for the manager. But while Rayo still sit 13th in LaLiga, tightening up defensively is also crucial after conceding six goals across their last three matches. Finding the right balance between attack and defence again is vital if Rayo are to get back on track after a January to forget so far.
