Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds

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Real Madrid have won 18 of their last 19 meetings with Rayo Vallecano, scoring 58 goals in these wins. Although, they did lost their last visit to Vallecas, going down 1-0 in 2019 as Rayo beat Real for the first time since 1997.

Real Madrid to win and over 2.5 goals is 8/5.

Real Madrid to win and both teams to score NO is 15/8.

Vinícius Júnior is 5/1 to break the deadlock and 6/4 to add to his tally of 16 goals this season.

Match preview

Real Madrid v Elche – La Liga Santander MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 23: Luka Modric of Real Madrid celebrates goal 1-2 during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Elche at the Santiago Bernaubeu on January 23, 2022 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Will Real Madrid maintain their three-point lead at the top?

Last weekend, it took an hour but los Blancos eventually broke down Deportivo Alavés’ residence and won 3-0 at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

A word for Thibaut Courtois too as he made a crucial save just before the all-important opener.

With Sevilla drawing the following day, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are now six points clear at the top again, looking to at least maintain that this weekend.

Rayo Vallecano meanwhile sat fourth on Christmas Day, a remarkable achievement for a newly-promoted club.

However, unfortunately, their form has fallen off a cliff in 2022.

Los Vallecanos were beaten 2-1 at Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero by Elche last weekend, despite taking the lead through Fran García.

So, Andoni Iraola’s side have now lost four successive La Liga games, amassing just one point from six matches in 2022.

This leaves los Franjirrojos 11th on 31 points, only needing another win or two to ensure safety.

Will Real leave Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas with all three points after this Madrid derby?

Rayo Vallecano team news

Rayo Vallecano v Girona FC – La Liga Smartbank Playoff Final 1st Leg MADRID, SPAIN – JUNE 13: Isaac Palazon celebrates with team mates after scoring their side’s first goal during the La Liga Smartbank Playoff Final 1st Leg match between Rayo Vallecano and Girona FC at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas on June 13, 2021 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Given their poor form, Andoni Iraola might be tempted to tinker his team.

Radamel Falcao, who’s scored three times in five career appearances against Real, could partner Sergi Guardiola in attack.

In goal, Luca Zidane started their last match so could face his former club, chosen over former number one Stole Dimitrievski.

Real Madrid team news

Real Madrid v Shakhtar Donetsk: Group D – UEFA Champions League MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 03: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League group D match between Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on November 03, 2021 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Carlo Ancelotti meanwhile made just one change from the PSG defeat to the Alavés win, showing he doesn’t trust many of his squad players.

Toni Kroos the only player who didn’t start both, is likely to return in place of Fede Valverde.

The rest of the team is set in stone with Marco Asensio preferred on the right-wing to Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, Rodrygo, Lucas Vázquez or Isco.

La Liga table:

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