On Saturday afternoon, Real Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano meet at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla in a game that could affect both teams’ trajectory in La Liga this season.
Pacheta’s team has not enjoyed a good return to action after the World Cup break, as they have won one of their last four games, which was in a Copa del Rey game against lower league opposition Arenas Getxo.
¿Con qué gol te quedas?🔜 #RealValladolidRayo pic.twitter.com/ary054cUSZ— Real Valladolid C.F. (@realvalladolid) January 10, 2023
¿Con qué gol te quedas?🔜 #RealValladolidRayo pic.twitter.com/ary054cUSZ
Since the cup win, Real Valladolid has suffered three straight defeats in all competitions.
A 1-0 defeat at Mallorca last weekend means that the Albivioletas head into this game on the back of just one win in their previous five matches in La Liga, four of which have finished in defeats.
Despite their poor recent league form, Real Valladolid has won three of their last four league matches on home soil. A 2-0 loss against Real Madrid last time out at home in La Liga ended a three-game winning run for Real Valladolid at home.
The visitors are enjoying a solid league campaign and currently sit in eighth place in the Spanish top-flight table, just four points off the European spots in La Liga. However, their recent form has been underwhelming, to say the least.
Rayo has failed to win any of their four matches in all competitions since their return to action after the World Cup. Andoni Iraola’s team has also failed to win in their last three games in La Liga. On the flip side, a 2-1 home defeat by Real Betis last time out was their first defeat in eight games in the Spanish top flight.
Although Rayo are unbeaten in their previous three away games in La Liga, they have also won just once in six league games on their travels.
Forebet predicts that this encounter will produce a low-scoring draw, which will do little to aid both teams' chances of reaching their objectives this season.