On Sunday, September 21, La Liga’s fifth round features a match between Rayo Vallecano and Celta. The game starts at 14:00 Central European Time. Here’s a look at both teams leading up to this match.
Rayo Vallecano vs Celta: Match Preview
Last season, Rayo Vallecano had a strong showing and qualified for European competitions. In the UEFA Conference League qualifying play-offs, they won against Neman Grodno with an impressive 5-0 aggregate score. This La Liga season began with a 3-1 win over Girona. However, their form dipped with a 0-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao, a 1-1 draw with Barcelona, and a 0-2 defeat to Osasuna. After four matches, Rayo has three points, a goal difference of 4:5, and is currently 13th in the league.
Celta had a successful previous season, earning 55 points and finishing seventh, which secured them a spot in the UEFA Europa League. However, they have not won any matches this season. Their campaign started with a loss to Getafe, followed by four consecutive draws, all ending 1-1 against Mallorca, Betis, Villarreal, and Girona. Celta has collected four points from five matches, with most teams having played only four. Their goal difference is 4 scored and 6 conceded.
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- Rayo Vallecano is winless in their last two matches: one draw and one defeat.
- Celta has not won in five games: one loss and four draws.
- Rayo is unbeaten in their last six home games.
- In their last encounter, Rayo Vallecano beat Celta 2-1.
Probable Lineups
- Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Vertout, Chavarría; Ciss, López; Palazón, Díaz, García; De Frutos.
- Celta: Radu; Rodríguez, Domínguez, Alonso; Rueda, Moriba, Sotelo, Mingueza; Aspas, Iglesias, Zaragoza.
Prediction
Both teams have had a slow start to the season. Celta is still looking for their first win, while Rayo has not secured a victory in their last two matches. Given this situation, a draw seems like a safe bet.
