- Date and Time: Friday, January 31, 21:00 GMT+1
- Venue: Estadio Municipal de Butarque, Leganés, Spain
| Odds via 22bet | |
| Leganés vs Rayo Vallecano | Friday, January 31, 2025, 21:00 GMT+1 |
| Leganés odds | 3.04 |
| Rayo Vallecano odds | 2.56 |
| Draw | 3 |
| Over\Under | Total 2.5: 2.51/1.48 |
Leganés vs Rayo Vallecano Preview and Team News
Leganés Team News
After a challenging start to their debut season in Spain’s top division, Leganés surprised a few La Liga teams. Their low block worked wonders against some of the top clubs recently, including a 1-0 victory against Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid.
Their good run continued last week as they held Athletic Club in a 0-0 draw. Again, the ‘magic formula’ was to keep a compact block with three centre-backs, giving away possession and forcing the opponent to resort to crosses.
Basque registered an impressive 30 shots, but only three were on target due to their rivals’ disciplined defence and the goalkeeper’s sharp performance. They knew overstretching would allow Leganés to create danger on the counter, which worked wonders for the promoted team.
🤔Who is he? pic.twitter.com/FBIQx80NO9
— C.D. Leganés 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@CDLeganes_en) January 29, 2025
It was a similar story when they defeated Barcelona. They scored early and kept the solid formation for the remainder of the game.
Leganés advanced to the Copa del Rey Round of 16 after defeating Cartagena (2-1), paired with Real Madrid for the next round. First, fans had until January 27th to purchase member-only tickets only through their online platform. Ticket prices then went up to 39 euros, causing outrage from supporters.
Peña Legamania and FeDeLega published an open letter expressing their discontent and requesting an urgent meeting. They cited the relationship between fans and the club as more important than the financial benefits.
What is your mood for the week?🙂🫡😏😃 pic.twitter.com/Sv6lNkQSq0
— C.D. Leganés 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@CDLeganes_en) January 28, 2025
Enric Franquesa and Renato Tapia remain sidelined, while Diego Garcia will serve his suspension after his red card.
Leganés predicted lineup vs Leganés (4-4-2): Dmitrović; Cruz, Nastasić, González, Rosier; Brašanac, Cisse, Neyou Noupa, Altimira; de la Fuente, Daniel Raba.
Rayo Vallecano Team News
After four consecutive draws in La Liga, Rayo Vallecano finally won against Girona (2-1) despite being dominated in the first half. Bryan scored for the opponents in the 50th minute. Substitute Randy Nteka then led the comeback, scoring a brace despite only playing for 15 minutes. This raised the team to seventh place in La Liga, 10 days after the exiting Copa del Rey in the RO16 against Real Sociedad.
🫸 Mano a mano 🫷@ivan_balliu 🤝 @unai10lopez pic.twitter.com/SerM5wyg1Y
— Rayo Vallecano (@RayoVallecano) January 28, 2025
The night’s headlines, however, weren’t dominated by the football action. Girona head coach Michel Sanchez publicly criticised Rayo Vallecano’s president, Raúl Martin Presa. Michel coached and played for the opposition club in the past and is considered a legend by many. As his team lost 2-1, he took his anger to the post-match press conference.
He believed that wasting Batalla’s time as Rayo’s goalkeeper wasn’t on the player or the coaching staff. Instead, he claimed ‘these are orders from above’, adding he was ‘disgusted’ by the behaviour. Since then, the two have engaged in a public war of words, showing no signs of reconciliation.
Jonathan Montiel and Raul de Tomas remain sidelined.
Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-4-2): Batalla; Chavarria, Lejeune, Mumin, Ratiu; Embarba, Ciss, Lopez, de Frutos; Palazon, Camello.
Bet hereLeganés vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction
- Prediction: Leganés to win
- Odds: 3.04 (22Bet)
- Score Prediction: Leganés 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
While Rayo Vallecano remain undefeated in their previous five La Liga matches, their streak will probably end against Leganés at the Butarque. The hosts are in good form, proving themselves against some of the tournament’s best teams.
The Spanish home side often catch opponents off guard in the first half, capitalising on their compact and disciplined defensive structure. This tactic was evident in their victory against Barcelona, where they scored early and maintained their defensive block.
Given Rayo Vallecano’s difficulties breaking down compact defences, Leganés could repeat this strategy, scoring in the first half and defending their lead.
Leganés vs Rayo Vallecano Betting Tip
- Pick: First goal up to halftime
- Odds: 1.55 (22Bet)
Leganés are a team with few goals, but they count. They tend to surprise their rivals early in the game, forcing them to work hard against their low block. It’s becoming famously tricky to penetrate.
Considering Rayo Vallecano’s struggle against compact defences, the hosts could score in the first half and defend for the remainder of the match.
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