Football
La Liga: Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Preview: Tips, Odds and Prediction
With excitement building and anticipation growing ahead of kickoff, La Liga betting fans are already diving into the odds and assessing both teams, hoping to find the best value. For a detailed, in-depth look at the match, be sure to check out our full preview. Manuel Pellegrini and Real Betis welcome Inigo Perez’s Rayo Vallecano to the 60,721-capacity Estadio Benito Villamarin two days before Christmas Eve, on Sunday 22nd December.
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Isco and Jorge De Frutos//Getty Images
At the time of writing, there are just four points separating these two teams. Three-time Copa del Rey champions Real Betis are currently ninth-placed, four spots above the visitors.
Over their last 25 games against each other, they have each won nine times and drawn seven, so the stage is set for an early Christmas cracker of a contest.
However, Real Betis are the ones higher up in the league, enjoying the better form and will have the home advantage on the day, so the travelling Madrid side will have to pull something special out of the bag if they are to stand any chance of the spoils in this forthcoming festive fixture.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability: Real Betis Clear Favourites
Home: 5/6 (1.81) – 55,2%
Draw: 12/5 (3.42) – 29,2%
Away: 100/30 (4.77) – 21%
*Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change
Head-to-Head Record
Last Five Meetings
17/03/24: Rayo Vallecano 2-0 Real Betis
02/09/23: Real Betis 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
15/05/23: Real Betis 3-1 Rayo Vallecano
08/01/23: Rayo Vallecano 1-3 Real Betis
03/03/22: Real Betis 1-1 Rayo Vallecano
Real Betis: Current Form – WWDWLL
Real Betis have shown a mixed form so far this season, which is why they are positioned mid-table in ninth place after 17 games.
However, they are on a good run of form lately, currently unbeaten in their last four games, at the time of writing.
The Seville side managed an impressive victory away from home to top-six side Villarreal on December 15 despite playing a full hour with only 10 men. Goals from Vitor Roque (32’) and Giovani Lo Celso (47’) were enough to secure victory despite Chimy Avila’s 34th-minute sending-off.
Avila had recorded a shot on goal, created a chance, and delivered four crosses before his reckless tackle on Alex Baena. The scoreline could have been very different without his departure.
Key Players To Watch
- Giovani Lo Celso – The former Tottenham player has scored seven in 11 games for Real Betis since signing this season. The attacking midfielder signed for Betis once before in 2019 after a loan spell there but was sold to Spurs before returning five seasons later. The Argentine has over 60 caps for his country.
- Vitor Roque – Brazilian forward, Vitor Roque, is on loan to Betis from Barcelona. The 19-year-old prospect won the South American Under-20 Championship with Brazil in 2023, where he also achieved top scorer. He’s popped up with four goals already this season from 32 shots and is averaging 2.28 shots per game.
- Chimy Avila – 30-year-old forward Chimy Avila joined Real Betis this season from rival La Liga club, Osasuna. The Argentine played over 100 games for Osasuna, scoring 24 times. He has managed three goals in 20 for his new club. He has a younger brother, Gaston Luciano Avila, who plays at left-back for Ajax.
Real Betis Team News
Pablo Fornals is training with the team again after suffering an injury last November. Fornals will provide the team with an attacking boost on his return after creating 22 chances in 13 appearances last season.
Goalkeeper Rui Silva is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks and is doubtful for this match on December 22.
Rayo Vallecano: Current Form – DWWLLL
Only two wins in their last six outings is disappointing. If they had managed to pick up just half of those dropped points, they would be positioned above Real Betis in the league right now. Instead, they are only six points above relegation.
However, they just experienced a six-goal thriller with Spanish giants, Real Madrid, with the game ending in a draw. Two goals from Unai Lopez (4’) and Abdul Mumin (36’) gave the hosts an early lead, but then the Galacticos roared back at them to make it 3-2, until Isi Palazon equalised in the 64th minute to rescue the point.
Key Players To Watch
- Abdul Mumin – The Ghanaian centre-back is as solid as a rock for Rayo Vallecano, providing much stability at the back, and even popped up with a goal against Real Madrid recently.
- Unai Lopez – Defensive midfielder, Unai Lopez, has played over 110 games for The Red Sashes. The 29-year-old has finished runner-up twice in the Copa del Rey, in 2020 and 2021, when playing for Athletic Bilbao.
- Augusto Batalla – Goalkeeper Batalla has kept three clean sheets so far this season and has made at least five saves in a game on three different occasions.
Rayo Vallecano Team News
Unai Lopez has completed his one-game suspension, after a sending-off against fierce rivals Sevilla, and will be available for selection again.
Ray Vallecano are interested in signing Jesus Vallejo from Real Madrid, however, they will have to compete with Getafe for the 27-year-old centre-back’s signature.
Predicted Line-Ups
Real Betis: 4-2-3-1
Vieites; Sabaly, Bartra, Llorente, Perraud; Cardoso, Altimira; Avila, Lo Celso, Ezzalzouli; Roque.
Rayo Vallecano: 4-4-2
Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; de Frutos, Ciss, Lopez, Embarba; Nteka, Palazon.
Suggested Bets
If you love betting on football, here are some bets you can place at some of the popular sportsbooks.
Correct Score: The result to end in a draw at 2-2 is worth a punt. (19/1 with Betway) (18/1 with 1Win)
Full-time Result - Draw: The two sides to end in a stalemate is a realistic result. (12/5 with Betway) (121/50 with 1Win)
Over 3.5 Goals: Both teams have averaged two goals per game over their last four fixtures. (3/1 with Betway) (329/100 with 1Win)
Value Bets
Giovani Lo Celso – Anytime Goalscorer: Leading goalscorer Lo Celso to score anytime for Real Betis is worth a punt.
Unai Lopez – Anytime Goalscorer: As one of Rayo Vallecano’s top scorers this season, Unai Lopez could well come up with a goal.
First Team to Score – Real Betis: As the home team with a slightly better record and form, Real Betis are likelier to take the lead.
Prediction: Draw and Both Teams to Score
Real Betis are enjoying slightly better form in recent matches and during the season overall, however, neither team have been very prolific in front of goal this season, with just 38 goals between them, each sharing a minus-1 goal difference.
At the time of writing, Real Betis are unbeaten in their last four matches with eight goals, and Rayo Vallecano is closely matched going three games without a loss and, also, eight goals for.
Not only are these sides impossible to split over history, but also this season, too. Therefore, we predict a draw on December 22, either scored at 1-1 or 2-2. Back the Draw and Both Teams to Score and get 19/5 with 1Win.
Tim has over 27 years experience within the sports industry, working for football clubs Arsenal FC and Millwall FC, and boxing news websites British Boxing News, Boxing Social and Global Boxing News. His boxing articles have been published in Boxing News Magazine, national newspapers, plus many other major news outlets.
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