Rayo Vallecano vs Real Betis

Campo de Futbol de Vallecas is the venue as Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis go head-to-head in a high-stakes La Liga encounter.

Rayo Vallecano’s European dream remains firmly alive ahead of this round after they’ve gone from four consecutive La Liga matches without winning (D1, L3) to back-to-back 1-0 wins over Getafe and Las Palmas. Though they sit eighth in the standings, a hectic season finale, which sees them face two teams above them in the standings, paints a potentially bleak picture. They could put those fears to bed by posting a third successive league win for only the second time this season. Worryingly, the hosts have only won once in their last six home league outings (D3, L2). Furthermore, a dismal run of just one win from the past five league H2Hs on this ground (D2, L2) suggests they’ll hardly beat a side inside the top six for the first time this term (D4, L7).

In the meantime, Real Betis’ pursuit of a top-five finish took a hit last weekend as Osasuna held them to a 1-1 draw, only days after they overcame Fiorentina in extra-time to reach the UEFA Conference League final. Despite locking down Europa League qualification, they’re hellbent on securing a place in the Champions League, with only three points separating them from fifth place pre-round. Los Verdiblancos have fared impressively on their recent travels, going unbeaten across their last nine road trips (W6, D3). Unbeaten away from home since February, Manuel Pellegrini’s men will be out to post their fifth win in six road league games (D1).