The 2024/25 season has been one of Villarreal’s best seasons in recent years. The Yellow Submarine is currently third in La Liga, only surpassed by Real Madrid and Barcelona. These two teams are also the only ones that defeated Villarreal this season.
Villarreal successfully rotated their squad against UD Poblense in the Copa Del Rey on Tuesday, as the Yellow Submarine progressed further in the competition after a 6-1 victory. Ayoze Perez scored a hat-trick, while Papa Gueye, Ramon Terrats, and Pau Cabanes de la Torre also ended on the scoresheet. Aitor Gonalons scored the consolation goal for the visitors.
Villarreal has a lighter schedule in comparison to their competitors as they failed to qualify for European competitions last season. The Yellow Submarine finished 8th, only four points short of qualifying for the Conference League.
One might think Villarreal upgraded their defence compared to last season, but the team hasn’t improved in that area. After eleven games in La Liga, they still haven’t managed to keep a clean sheet, conceding in every single match.
The additions of Ayoze Perez (€4M), Thierno Barry (€14M), and Nicolas Pépé (free) have proven to be excellent moves, as Perez and Barry have been Villarreal’s most productive scorers this season.
Bet hereRayo Vallecano’s season has been consistent with the overall expectations: a mid-table club lacking the quality to push higher.
They are currently 9th in La Liga with 16 points. They won four matches, drew four and lost three, while their goal difference is almost even (12-10).
One promising development for Rayo Vallecano is the inclusion of Etienne Eto’o, the son of Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o. He was promoted from Rayo Vallecano’s B team. At the young age of 22, hopes that he will have an impact on the team are high.
Just like Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano went through a confidence boost in the Copa Del Rey, as the team demolished CD Villamuriel (5-0). Raúl de Tomás scored a brace, while Oscar Trejo, Sergi Guardiola and Etienne Eto’o also found the back of the net.
Left-back Alfonso Espino is injured and won’t be available for the match. Abdul Mumin will also be absent for the match following his red card against Deportivo Alavés.
Villarreal’s poor defensive record means that Rayo Vallecano have all the reasons to believe they will get the opportunity to attack.
Rayo Vallecano is known for its intense style, which relies on wing-based counterattacks to challenge opponents. Andrei Ratiu and Jorge de Frutos form an excellent pair on the right wing, while Ivan Balliu and Oscar Valentino are highly rated for their high technical level.
Despite that, Villarreal is expected to win at Cerámica. The stadium is famous for its unique atmospheres, and the Yellow Submarine has only been defeated at home by Barcelona this season (1-5). With the likes of Alejandro Baena, Yeremy Pino and Ayoze Perez, Villarreal seems posed for a win this weekend against Rayo Vallecano.
All eyes are on Barca’s Lamine Yamal, who’s having an excellent season, but Villarreal’s Alejandro Baena has been exceptional. Although it is not his breakout season, Baena has managed to score one goal while delivering five assists.
Rayo Vallecano likes to attack through the wings but they struggle on the counter, which would allow Baena to have some time on the ball to create his magic from wide.
If either Ayoze Perez or Thierno Barry plays, Alejandro Baena is likely to find space against Rayo Vallecano’s leaky defence and add to his tally.
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