The Spanish domestic campaign kicks off this weekend as Rayo Vallecano hosts Valencia at the Campo de Fútbal de Vallecas.
Rayo Vallecano goes into the game and the season looking to improve on their impressive 11th place finish in La Liga last season. On the other hand, Valencia will look to cement themselves among Spain’s top four.
Rayo experienced a somewhat indifferent end to their preseason preparations. From their last five friendlies, Vallecano claimed three wins and two defeats. Among those games are wins against Las Palmas (1-0), Real Sociedad (1-0) and Leganes (1-0 after penalties). However, Rayo suffered defeats to Real Oviedo (2-1 after penalties) and Albacete (5-0).
Unlike Rayo, Valencia go into this game on the back of an actual competitive fixture. Their 3-1 victory against Monaco at the Mestalla in the first leg of their Champions League play-off will give Los Che tremendous confidence going into this game considering it was a lethargic and nervy performance up until the final half an hour.
Key Battle – Nacho vs Sofiane Feghouli
If Wednesday night is any indication, Rayo will have their hands full when it comes to Feghouli. The Algerian international provided a goal and an assist as Los Che triumphed over Monaco and will look to ride that wave of momentum into Saturday when they travel to Vellecas.
With Nacho looking like the only available left-back for Rayo, the Spaniard will be the one tasked with handling the talented 25-year-old. Whether he is able to handle Feghouli or not may determine where the three points go for this encounter.
Team News
Rayo Vallecano will be without Luis Farina (hip), Christian Alvarez (muscle), Tito (thigh) and Adrian Embarba (foot). However, both Farina and Alvarez have a chance of making the game on Saturday.
Rayo Vallecano Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Cobeno (GK); Quini, Castro, Durado, Martinez; Cissé, Baena; Ebert, Farina, Aguirre; Bebé.
Meanwhile, Valencia go into the game without Diego Alvares (ACL) while Enzo Perez is a doubt having picked up an injury in the 3-1 victory over Monaco on Wednesday night. Andre Gomes could be in the squad on Saturday having overcome a thigh injury picked up back in May.
Valencia Expected XI (4-3-3): Ryan (GK); Barragan, Mustafi, Vezo, Gaya; Parejo, Fuego, De Paul; Feghouli, Alecer, Rodrigo.
Previous Meeting
One has to go back to 30 April for the last encounter between the two sides. On that occasion, a Dani Parejo goal rescued a point for Los Che after Embarba had opened the scoring for Rayo in a controversy-filled game which contained a sending off a piece. Morcillo received his marching orders for Rayo, Rodrigo for the visitors.
Prediction
This will in no means be an open-and-shut case for Valencia. Not only will Rayo be a difficult team to beat as it is but, if their performance against Monaco is anything to go by, Valencia are a long way off of their best. However, as was also seen on Wednesday night, Valencia are extremely clinical when they have to be.
Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, will be under a lot less pressure than Valencia and should be encouraged to play with a bit more freedom and relaxation. Nonetheless, with the strength up front and the solidarity that still exists at the back, despite the departure of Nicolas Otamendi to Manchester City, Valencia should have too much class for their hosts.
Rayo Vallecano 0 Valencia 2
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