On Wednesday evening, Segunda side Rayo Vallecano host La Liga Villarreal in the last eight of the Copa del Rey.
The home side head into this clash on the back of a run of eight games without defeat in all competitions, having recorded five victories. The team from the Spanish capital have promotion to La Liga at the top of their priority list.
Therefore, this match is not likely to be that vital for Rayo. However, it will be a good test of Rayo’s La Liga credentials.
Rayo’s recent matches have been tight and low-scoring, as eight of their last nine matches have produced under 2.5 goals. However, both teams have scored in their last three matches.
The home side has a decent recent record in the Copa del Rey, winning two of their last three matches in 90 minutes, and the other in a penalty shootout. The home side saw-off Real Betis in the last round.
Villarreal are enduring a solid campaign in the Spanish top-flight. The Yellow Submarine are currently eighth-place in La Liga, three points off the European spots.
Javi Calleja’s team have won seven of their last nine matches in all competitions, including winning six of their last eight matches in 90 minutes, while also winning one game in extra-time.
The visitors have been prolific in front of goal, scoring at least two goals in four of their last five competitive games.
#VillarrealTV | There's no let-off! 😅 We're working hard ahead of the #CopaDelRey 🏆 tie on Wednesday! Next stop, Vallecas! pic.twitter.com/WUkp6KYWJA— Villarreal CF English (@Eng_Villarreal) January 27, 2020
#VillarrealTV | There's no let-off! 😅 We're working hard ahead of the #CopaDelRey 🏆 tie on Wednesday! Next stop, Vallecas! pic.twitter.com/WUkp6KYWJA
Like Rayo Vallecano, the Copa del Rey is not Villarreal’s priority, as securing a top-six place this season is their top objective. The visitors have already eliminated Comillas, Orihuela and Girona in this season’s competition. All three of their games in the Copa del Rey have produced over 2.5 goals.
Forebet predicts that Villarreal will record a victory in a high-scoring victory to book their place in the last four of the Copa del Rey.