Real Betis will host Rayo Vallecano this Sunday at the Estadio Benito Villamarín for Matchday 18 of La Liga 2024-25, aiming to continue their recent resurgence after a difficult November. The verdiblancos, led by Manuel Pellegrini, have found their footing with four victories and one draw over the last five outings, including important wins against lower-tier teams like HJK and Sant Andreu.
After suffering through one draw and three losses, Betis's fans can finally feel optimism as their team secured points and regained confidence. Notably, the team ended their five-match winless streak with a thrilling 2-1 victory against Villarreal last weekend, defying the odds even after playing with ten men due to Chimi Ávila's red card.
On the other side, Rayo Vallecano, coached by Iñigo Pérez, currently sits just below Betis with 21 points, having experienced fluctuations throughout their season. Although they briefly enjoyed strong performances, their form dipped during November, losing to Las Palmas and Sevilla, but recent matches have brought them back to life. With four unbeaten matches under their belt, including draws against Real Madrid and Villarreal, they aim to build on this momentum.
Rayo's away record is respectable, with three victories this season. They have the seventh-best away performance, but they face challenges, particularly against tough opponents like Real Betis, who have historically dominated this fixture.
With injuries impacting both squads, Betis's Rui Silva is still out with a shoulder issue, handing goalkeeper duties to Fran Vieites. Other casualties include notable players like Hector Bellerin, William Carvalho, and Marc Roca. The forward line will be led by Bakambu, supported by the creative talents of Giovani Lo Celso and Ezzalzouli, who have displayed strong offensive prowesses this season.
On the visitors' end, Rayo will be missing key center-back Abdul Mumin due to suspension, which may affect their defensive solidity. Their attacking setup remains promising with the likes of Álvaro García and Isi Palazón eager to break through Betis’s defenses.
Betis's tactical approach may include deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on exploiting home advantage and utilizing their superior squad depth effectively. Meanwhile, Rayo is expected to field the same formation, aiming to counterattack and press when possible.
Historically, Betis has enjoyed success against Rayo at home, winning their last four La Liga meetings at the Benito Villamarín. Betis has also only lost once at home this season, bolstering their belief heading toward this important clash.
Both teams will be striving for consistency as they look to climb the table. For Real Betis, solidifying their position near European qualification spots is on the line, whereas Rayo aims to cut the gap to mid-table safety.
Overall, this match promises to deliver intensity and excitement. Considering current forms, expectations favor Real Betis to secure the victory. Prediction: Real Betis 2-1 Rayo Vallecano, as they leverage home support to push through against their determined opponents.
