Real Valladolid will be Rayo Vallecano’s guest for the LaLiga 2024-25 Matchday 23 clash scheduled to take place at Estadio de Vallecas in Madrid on February 7, 2025. Real Valladolid has been struggling all through the season and is at the bottom of La Liga, while their opponents are in decent form, placed in the middle, and looking to capitalize on the poor form of their rivals.
On their back is an important 1-0 triumph over Leganes. It has been a low-scoring one, but in this case, three points are so crucial to further maintain the moment. Another home win will strengthen Rayo to stay further behind the midtable pack against yet another struggling side in Valladolid.
Real Valladolid, on the other hand, is in a very precarious position and is firmly rooted in the relegation zone. Their last match saw them get thrashed 5-0 by Villarreal, underlining their ongoing defensive struggles. With just four wins in 22 LaLiga matches, Valladolid is in dire need of a change in fortunes. Even with a win, they would still remain at the bottom of the table, which underlines the scale of their challenge.
Match Information: Rayo Vallecano vs Real Valladolid
- Kickoff:
- Friday, February 7, 08:00 PM GMT
- Saturday, February 8, 01:30 AM IST
- Venue: Estadio de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain
- Form:
- Rayo Vallecano: W-L-D-W-W
- Real Valladolid: L-W-L-L-L
Players to Watch: Rayo Vallecano vs Real Valladolid
Jorge de Frutos (Rayo Vallecano): With four goals and two assists for Rayo Vallecano in La Liga and 22 league appearances, this Spanish forward should be consistent again. His goal-scoring capacity will prove quite important in getting past Valladolid’s not-so-good defense.
Selim Amallah (Real Valladolid): Amallah is one of the few players that are still shining bright at a side badly struggling for form. He scored the solitary goal against Villarreal in the 5-1 defeat, and if anything positive will come out of this game for Valladolid, he must be the focal point.
Match Facts: Rayo Vallecano vs Real Valladolid
Rayo Vallecano has won their last three LaLiga matches against Real Valladolid.
Rayo Vallecano hasn’t lost any of their last eight league games.
– Real Valladolid have not won any of their last six LaLiga games on the road.
Betting Tips and Odds:
- Rayo Vallecano to win at 1/2 (Ladbrokes)
- Total goals under 2.5 at 5/6 (Unibet)
- Jorge de Frutos to score at 8/1 (Unibet)
Injury and Team News:
- Rayo Vallecano: They will be missing Joni Montiel, Raul De Tomas, and Randy Nteka for the game.
- Real Valladolid: Raul Moro is injured; he has played nine games for the team this season.
Head-to-Head:
- Total matches: 25
- Rayo Vallecano wins: 7
- Real Valladolid wins: 11
- Draws: 7
Predicted Lineups:
- Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Batalla (GK); Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; Ciss, Lopez; De Frutos, Palazon, Garcia; Guardiola
- Real Valladolid (4-1-4-1): Hein (GK); Perez, Sanchez, Torres, Rosa; Juric; Anuar, Chuki, Amallah, Sylla; Andre
Match Prediction: As has been ascertained, Rayo Vallecano is the favorite going into this matchup with their good form and Valladolid’s poor form. Rayo Vallecano, thus, is the favourite after five unbeaten matches on the trot and doing really well against Valladolid in the last few encounters.
Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 2-0 Real Valladolid
Telecast Details:
- India: GXR World
- UK: Premier Sports and ITV
- USA: ESPN+
- Nigeria: SuperSport
David Alaba Suffers New Injury, Out for 2-3 Weeks
Real Madrid has announced that their multi-talented defender David Alaba will be out of action for 2-3 weeks after suffering a thigh injury. The Austrian international had only just returned from an ACL injury suffered in December 2023 and had recently started coming off the bench in LaLiga matches against Las Palmas and Real Valladolid.
Real Madrid is facing a defensive crisis as David Alaba’s injury adds to their existing problems. With key matches ahead, including the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid and a Champions League playoff with Manchester City, the timing of Alaba’s injury is unfortunate. This adds to the absences of Antonio Rüdiger, sidelined with a hamstring strain, and Éder Militão, who remains out long-term due to an ACL injury.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid finds himself relatively handicapped in three senior central defenders missing. Perhaps the door may open, though, in Aurélien Tchouaméni, a midfielder, and young Raúl Asencio for the Santiago Bernabéu’s cause. This is the critical depth being stretched of the squad at the end, especially when Real Madrid was fighting for the LaLiga title and success in Europe.
This is a major challenge for Ancelotti to rapidly change his tactics to cope with the absences. The hopes of Real Madrid this season in terms of silverware also rest on how they manage this defensive shortage in the coming weeks.
Hansi Flick Warns Against Comparing Lamine Yamal to Messi and Maradona
At 17 years of age, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has already drawn comparisons with football legends Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona through his scintillating display. After the 1-0 win by Barcelona over Alaves in LaLiga, head coach Hansi Flick addressed these comparisons, warning it is essential to recognize Yamal as his player rather than making direct comparisons to Messi and Maradona.
Yamal has, in no time at all, become one of the most exciting talents to walk around world football. In the win over Alaves, there were flashes of that raw talent by producing a brilliant solo run and an assist for Barcelona. However, Flick has said that, although Yamal is indeed unique, the comparisons to football’s greatest players may put too much pressure on the teenager. Yamal himself has echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the honor of being compared to Messi but stressing his desire to carve out his own legacy and avoid being overshadowed by the ghosts of the past.
Yeamal’s unwillingness to be swayed by comparisons speaks volumes of maturity far beyond his years, and focus on forging his own path is only going to take him much further in life and in his playing career. While Barcelona and Spain have the pleasure of seeing the fruit of his labor, Yamal is the next rising star looking to forge his own tale in football.
Conclusion
The upcoming LaLiga clash between Rayo Vallecano and Real Valladolid promises to be a significant match, with Rayo Vallecano looking to build on their recent solid performances while Valladolid fights to avoid relegation. Given Valladolid’s struggles this season, Rayo Vallecano is the favorite to secure another win, further improving their standing in the league.
On a broader note, Real Madrid’s defensive woes continue with the injury to David Alaba, which leaves the team without several key defenders during a crucial period. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal continues to shine, despite the comparisons to football greats like Messi and Maradona. His focus on building his own legacy will surely make him one of the most exciting players to watch in the years to come. Overall, these developments underline the ever-evolving landscape of LaLiga, filled with both challenges and emerging talent.
