Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 26/01/2024, 23:50  by Daniel Ngulu in LaLiga Predictions

Fresh from reaching the Copa del Rey semis, Real Sociedad will be eyeing a win over Villarreal in La Liga up next. Rayo are eight points above the relegation zone, while Real Sociedad are sixth. Hosts Real Sociedad are coming from a fifth straight away match and will be happy to be back at the Reale Arena. Mikel Oyarzabal’s early goal and a second half strike from Sheraldo Becker helped them to a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo. By the time Luca de la Torre grabbed one at stoppage time, it was a little too late for Celta to stage a comeback. A third straight win, it was for Sociedad, who now seek a fifth win in six matches. Three of their last four wins were in the Copa del Rey but there’s no discounting the quality of their opponents. Real Sociedad have lost just once in their last 16 matches, which gives them great confidence coming here. A 1-0 loss to Barcelona is their only home defeat in the league this season and indeed in their last 19 league games there.

Rayo Vallecano will come into this game desperate to recover from a poor run that has highlighted their recent games. Coming into this game, they are smarting from a 2-0 defeat to Las Palmas in the league. They had earlier lost 3-1 to Girona in the Copa del Rey. After losing four of their last six matches, the visitors will be targeting a win here to ease the pressure. Their case was worsened by Alvaro Garcia’s sending off late in their last game. Right after Garcia‘s expulsion, Rayo conceded a second goal. Rayo’s most recent win was a labored one, beating Huesca in extra time in the Copa del Rey. The visitors have just one league win in their last 10 matches. Failure to score in three of the last four away league matches poses additional pressure for Rayo. They have two losses in their last three away matches too.