Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal Preview & Prediction | 2022-23 Spanish Primera
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal on and what time does it start? Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal will take place on Sunday 28th May, 2023 – 18:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal ? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal on in the UK? Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal 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 Villarreal in the UK? Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal can be streamed live on Viaplay
THE LOWDOWN
Rayo Vallecano
As one of Spain and Europe’s most famously politically charged and ideologically left-leaning clubs, many would have a soft spot for Rayo Vallecano and the Madrid-based club are seeking to finish this season with a flourish as they compete for a top seven finish and potential UEFA Europa Conference League qualification ahead of a summer that could bring about quite a lot of upheaval.
Several players, including Santi Comesana and Catena, are expected to leave the club this summer but, most importantly, so is manager Andoni Iraola. Off-field issues have plagued and forever will be a concern for Rayo but Iraola’s impressive management has allowed them to not just be competitive but punch above their weight in the last few seasons.
They do come into this on the back of some poor form, though, with a 2-1 loss away to Real Madrid in midweek being their third successive loss. In-form Raul de Tomas did score an 84th minute equaliser in that match before Rodrygo’s winner later on. They are four points adrift of seventh with six points to play for.
Villarreal
When at Real Betis, Quique Setien gained a reputation for being one of the most progressive and entertaining coaches in Europe. Now, at Villarreal, he is proving to be effective as well as entertaining as they confirm UEFA Europa League qualification but supporters remain unconvinced about the former Barcelona boss as we head into the summer.
There is a perception that Setien can drift into a ‘holier than thou’ and quite arrogant approach when discussing football and football tactics. He has been accused of over complicating certain things and being a touch pretentious. What is not in dispute, though, is that his sides are often very enjoyable to watch and do achieve a level of success.
Their most recent outing, a comfortable 2-0 win at home to a Cadiz side fighting for their lives, extended their current winning streak to three matches. The visitors are now unbeaten in their last six matches, too.
THE PREDICTION
With two games of the 2022/23 La Liga campaign to go, these are two sides that will probably end up on the beach first - well, after title winners Barcelona and already relegated Elche. Andoni Iraola has enjoyed an incredibly impressive spell in charge of Rayo Vallecano but it does appear as though the former Athletic defender is going to depart at the end of the season so, with their high intensity as it usually is, this could be a Vallecas send off. Setien's Villarreal have already wrapped up fifth place and UEFA Europa League qualification so with their group of exciting attackers, they are simply playing out the season with a bit of fun. This means little but may well be worth watching for the neutral.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
