Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Preview & Prediction | 2022-23 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol on and what time does it start? Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol will take place on Sunday 21st May, 2023 – 13:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol on in the UK? Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol will be televised live on LaLigaTV (Sky channel 435, Virgin channel 554) for those with a Viaplay subscription, while Sky and Virgin customers can also sign up to the channel.
Where can I stream Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol in the UK? Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol can be streamed live on Viaplay
THE LOWDOWN
Rayo Vallecano
Following promotion, via the Segunda playoffs, in 2021, Rayo Vallecano have enjoyed impressive back-to-back seasons since returning to the top-flight. Under the management of Andoni Iraola, Rayo are still in contention for the top seven and potential UEFA Europa Conference League qualification.
The home team come into this on the back of a 3-1 defeat away to Real Betis as they continue their inconsistent run of form. Rayo went to Andalusia with the opportunity move seventh in the table but fell to 2-0 down before half-time, fighting back in the second-half but conceding a second-half stoppage-time winner.
The hosts begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting just about in the bottom-half of the table. They are two points below Girona in the table, who occupy the final European spot in Spain’s top-flight.
Espanyol
Espanyol were promoted back to the top-flight at the first attempt in 2021. Since they have returned to La Liga, they have been involved in back-to-back relegation battles and they are in serious danger this time around of dropping back down to the second-tier. In fact, it is quite likely they will drop.
Espanyol moves on from Quique Sanchez Flores to Luis Garcia a few months ago but their performances and results have not improved ever since. The Catalans were beaten 4-2 by Barcelona in the derby last weekend as their lack of cohesion, both in defence and attack, really showed.
The visitors are firmly adrift of 17th in the bottom three and the relegation places. They are four points adrift of Real Valladolid and Cadiz, who sit outside of the danger zone.
THE PREDICTION
Andoni Iraola's Rayo Vallecano have been very impressive throughout their two-year stint in La Liga and their intense home support is deserving of a trip into the UEFA Europa Conference League. They face an Espanyol side that had their poor run of form extended by their aforementioned derby defeat last weekend. The visitors have now managed just one victory in their last 11 matches. They have conceded three or more goals in four of their last six games, too. Rayo are firm favourites for this one, especially with their home advantage.
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