In the coming days Rayo Vallecano could write their name into the history books if they grab wins over Alaves and then Crystal Palace in the Conference League final. The Bees are not fancied in any of these ties yet that only makes success sweeter for the fans back home. Hope stays strong as the side remains unbeaten in eight outings across all competitions picking up five victories all with clean sheets including the 2-0 win against Villarreal last time out.
Team Form
- Rayo Vallecano have kept five clean sheets in their last eight matches and sit just one point off seventh place which would seal another European campaign.
- Alaves have collected six vital points from recent 1-0 wins over Barcelona and Real Oviedo and now sit one victory clear of the drop zone occupied by Girona.
- Both sides have shown strong resolve lately with Rayo especially reliable when it comes to grinding out results on the road.
The main man in charge Inigo Perez has earned his stripes and wants to bow out in style by leading his troops into Europe once more. For that to happen they must first get past a stubborn Alaves side that is fighting for survival in La Liga. The Basque outfit have found a new lease of life lately and will be tough to break down especially at home where they have everything to play for.
Tactical Analysis
- Rayo like to sit compact and hit on the break using their pacey forwards to punish tired legs late in games.
- Alaves rely on set piece threats and a solid defensive block that has kept them in the hunt for safety these past weeks.
- Expect a cagey affair where midfield battles will decide who grabs the initiative with both coaches likely to keep things tight early on.
With so much riding on the result neither team will want to risk it all yet the visitors carry real belief they can nick seventh spot and a return to continental football. Alaves on their part know one more win could seal their top flight status and that tension should make for a tight contest from the first whistle.
Betting Proposal
The smartest play here is to back the two sides to share the points as both have been picking up results lately and neither can afford a slip up. Alaves and Rayo Vallecano to draw at odds of 3.45 looks the value type.
