Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Rayo Vallecano have been brilliant to watch throughout the last few seasons and are now chasing European qualification as they take on a much-improved Espanyol side.
Kick-off date/time: Friday 4th April, 2025: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Rayo Vallecano Preview: Lightning attacks of Rayo
Coached by Andoni Iraola’s former assistant coach Inigo Perez, Rayo Vallecano have continued with their intense style of football that swarms the opposition and they have been much-improved in terms of results, too, as they chase a top six or seven finish this season in La Liga.
Rayo enjoyed an impressive and comfortable 2-0 defeat of a poor Deportivo Alaves at Mendizarrozza in the Basque Country last weekend courtesy of goals from defensive midfield duo Pathe Ciss and Pablo Diaz.
Espanyol Preview: Difficult to defeat Catalans
Despite the departure of manager Luis Garcia to the Qatari national team following their promotion back to the top-flight via the playoffs last season, Espanyol started slowly but have since overperformed expectations to push away from the danger zone.
The Catalans continued their general improvement last weekend, potentially knocking Atletico Madrid out of the title race in La Liga with Javi Puado scoring a 71st minute penalty to earn a 1-1 draw against Los Rojiblancos following a Cesar Azpilicueta screamer in the first-half.
Rayo Vallecano Team News: Lejeune still suspended
Former Newcastle United defender Florian Lejeune remains unavailable for Rayo this weekend due to suspension. They also have a couple of injury concerns, too, such as Abdul Mumin and Sergio Camello.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Auguste Batalla; Ratiu, Aridane Hernandez, Pelayo Fernandez, Pep Chavarria; Ciss, Unai Lopez; Jorge de Frutos, Oscar Trejo, Alvaro Garcia; Nteka
Unavailable: Lejeune (Suspended), Mumin (Injured), Sergio Camello (Injured)
Questionable:
Espanyol Team News: A few issues
Ahead of their trip to the capital city this weekend, Espanyol are dealing with a few injury issues as goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco is a doubt due to an ankle issue, whilst both Pablo Ramon and Jose Gragera remain sidelined for the visitors.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero; Pol Lozano, Urko Gonzalez; Jofre Carreras, Kral, Javi Puado; Roberto Fernandez
Unavailable: Pablo Ramon (Injured), Jose Gragera (Injured)
Questionable: Fernando Pacheco (Injured)
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Prediction
Rayo Vallecano have been intense throughout the campaign and that could cause issues in the run-in but the likes of Isi Palazon and Jorge de Frutos are returning to full fitness at the right time. They are a strong side but often leave points out there, especially in games where you would back them to win. They face an Espanyol side that are reliant on home form but will fancy their chances of showing improvement on the road, too, so both teams scoring may well be a good bet for this one at Vallecas.
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Tip: Both teams to score