Matchday 29 of the 2022-23 La Liga season gets underway on Friday, with Rayo Vallecano hosting Osasuna in the opening tie of the round.
The two sides are separated by a solitary point in the La Liga table, as ninth-placed Rayo Vallecano trail eighth-placed Osasuna.
⚡️ Final del partido en Vallecas (1-2)⚽️ @Frangarcia_11 #RayoAtleti #VamosRayo pic.twitter.com/RnKdmUIraB— Rayo Vallecano (@RayoVallecano) April 9, 2023
⚡️ Final del partido en Vallecas (1-2)⚽️ @Frangarcia_11 #RayoAtleti #VamosRayo pic.twitter.com/RnKdmUIraB
Although both mid-table teams are clear of relegation danger, a late push to secure European football for next season could be a step too far.
Rayo Vallecano head into Friday’s showdown on an eight-game winless run, following a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid last weekend.
Having recorded five draws and three losses since their last victory, Rayo will be desperate to return to winning ways and climb the standings.
Rayo Vallecano enjoyed a run of eight wins in 13 matches across all competitions between October and February, suffering just three defeats along the way.
Since then, however, Rayo have taken only five points from a possible 24, although they have failed to score in just three of their eight league outings during that period.
Funnily enough, Osasuna ended a winless run of their own last time out, picking up a much-needed 2-1 victory over Elche.
Osasuna went five matches without a win in all competitions prior to last weekend’s triumph, so they will now be confident of getting something from Friday’s clash.
It is worth noting that only the top five teams have conceded fewer goals than Osasuna’s 28 this season, underlining the team’s defensive prowess.
Not only have Osasuna cemented eighth place in the La Liga table, but they have also reached the Copa del Rey final, setting up a showdown with Real Madrid next month.
Head-to-head: Osasuna are unbeaten in their last five matches against Rayo Vallecano, picking up four victories in the process.
Plus, Rayo Vallecano have only managed to win four of their previous 17 meetings with Osasuna across all competitions.
Team news: Rayo Vallecano winger Isi Palazon has bagged six goals and five assists this term, while Atletico Madrid loanee Sergio Camello has racked up six goals and four assists.
On the flip side, Ruben Garcia will miss Friday’s clash due to injury. Having netted eight goals this season, Chimy Avila is seen as Osasuna’s danger man.
With only one point between the teams in the table, Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna look set to dish up a close-fought battle.
Forebet predicts that Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna will play out a goalless draw as both sides aim to remain in the top half of the table.