Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Preview
- Competition: LaLiga.
- Date: Sunday, December 22.
- Time: 8:00 PM GMT.
- Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano will take place in the late kick-off slot in La Liga on December 22 as the ninth-placed side gears up to host the team in 12th place in an important clash.
The hosts will enter this game on the back of a strong run of form of late. They are unbeaten in their last five matches across competitions, registering four wins and one draw in that time. Real Betis have played some encouraging football as they scored nine goals in this run, and conceded just four, keeping two clean sheets as well. They secured a narrow 1-0 win against HJK Helsinki in their last game and will look to keep the unbeaten run going.
The visitors, on the other hand, will enter this game on the back of a mixed run of form. They have won two of their last five matches across competitions, managing two draws and also falling to one defeat in that run. They have scored nine goals in these five games too, and conceded eight as they need to plug some telling gaps in their defence. Having drawn 1-1 with 10-man Villarreal in their last match, they will enter the next one with confidence.
On that note, let’s take a look at the team news coming out from both camps.
Real Betis Team News
Manager Manuel Pellegrini fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last match as they secured a narrow 1-0 win. Every player came out unscathed from that game as they put in a strong team display to secure the desired result. The manager can be expected to stick with the same combination for the next one to keep the momentum going, with no other injuries to report. However, Chimy Avila will miss out after picking up a red card in their last La Liga match.
Rayo Vallecano Team News
Manager Inigo Perez went with a strong lineup for his team’s last match as they secured a 1-1 draw away from home. Fortunately for Perez, the team did not pick up any new injuries or suspensions in their last match. However, they will be without two key players for the next one. Raul de Tomas and Pelayo Fernandez will both miss out due to injuries.
Predicted Lineups
Real Betis Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Francisco Vietes.
Defenders: Youssouf Sabaly, Marc Bartra (C), Diego Llorente, Romain Perraud.
Midfielders: Johnny, Sergi Altimira, Giovani Lo Celso.
Forwards: Assane Diao, Vitor Roque, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Augusto Batalla.
Defenders: Ivan Balliu, Florian Lejeune, Abdul Mumin, Alfonso Espino.
Midfielders: Oscar Valentin, Pedro Diaz, Oscar Trejo.
Forwards: Jorge de Frutos, Sergio Camello, Alvaro Garcia.
Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Head-to-Head Record
These two teams have faced each other fairly regularly in recent times, meeting in La Liga as well as the Copa del Rey. The recent head-to-head record favours one team though. Real Betis have won three of the last five meetings, Rayo Vallecano have won one, and there has been one draw as well.
| Date | Match | Competition |
| 17/03/24 | Rayo 2-0 Betis | LaLiga |
| 03/09/23 | Betis 1-0 Rayo | LaLiga |
| 16/05/23 | Betis 3-1 Rayo | LaLiga |
| 08/01/23 | Rayo 1-2 Betis | LaLiga |
| 04/03/22 | Betis 1-1 Rayo | Copa del Rey |
Key Players to Watch
Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)
The Argentine midfielder has been a key component of Pellegrini’s Real Betis side this season. He has contributed eight goals to the team’s cause, producing seven goals and one assist so far this season. He will look to carry on with that form in a busy period for the club.
Jorge de Frutos (Rayo Vallecano)
The winger has put in good performances for his team this season and has contributed five goals to the cause already. With three goals and two assists to his name already, he will be looking to add to that tally soon.
Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction
There is little to separate these two teams at this stage of the season as they are fairly close in terms of placement in the table as well as their form. However, Real Betis will have a home advantage and should edge this one against Rayo Vallecano.
Prediction: Real Betis 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
Where to watch Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano live?
| Country | Where to Watch |
| USA | ESPN+ |
| UK | Premier Sports |
| India | GXR |
| Spain | DAZN. |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. When is Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano?
A. Real Betis will host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, December 22 at 8:00 PM GMT.
Q. Where can you watch Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano for free?
A. Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream will stream the match for free.
Q. What is the predicted score for Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano?
A. Real Betis 2-1 Rayo Vallecano.
Q. What is the recent head-to-head record for Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano?
A. Real Betis have won three of the last five meetings, Rayo Vallecano have won one, and there has been one draw.