Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla Battle for Key LaLiga Points This Weekend

MADRID, Spain — Rayo Vallecano will host Sevilla this Saturday at 4:15 p.m. local time for their LaLiga EA Sports match on Matchday 26. Both teams are looking to improve their standings, with Rayo eager to break a two-match losing streak and solidify their position for European competition, while Sevilla hopes to claw their way into the top seven.

Rayo Vallecano enters the match seeking their sixth home win this season after falling to Barcelona and Villarreal in recent fixtures. The team, managed by Iñigo Pérez, remains in contention for a historic European spot despite recent setbacks, holding only a slim edge over their nearest rivals. “We look forward to playing at home and want to capitalize on this opportunity to remain among the top six,” Pérez stated.

The team faces significant challenges, including injuries to key players Sergio Camello and Isi Palazón, as well as the suspension of Jorge de Frutos. Historically, Rayo has struggled against Sevilla at home, failing to secure a win since 2012. Since then, they have recorded four losses and four draws against the Andalusian side.

On the other side, Sevilla, under manager García Pimienta, is just three points behind Rayo and aims to gain an advantage. Despite a missed opportunity to tighten their grip on a European spot following a draw against Mallorca, Sevilla has won two of their last three away matches and is motivated to surpass Rayo in the standings. “This match is crucial for us; a win could propel us higher up the table,” Pimienta emphasized.

Key players for Sevilla include Dodi Lukebakio, who contributed a goal and an assist in their recent victory against Valladolid, and Rubén Vargas, who scored against Barcelona. They’ll join Isaac Romero, who was instrumental during the first leg against Rayo, assisting Sow’s goal in a previous matchup.

Elsewhere in LaLiga, RC Celta will host Girona at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Both teams find themselves tied with 32 points in the standings and are eager to capture valuable points toward European qualification.

Celta comes into the match on a dismal run of three consecutive losses, managing only three points from their last 18. Conversely, Girona has collected seven of the last nine points available and has significantly distanced themselves from the relegation zone, now just three points adrift of the sixth spot.

Head coach Míchel is hopeful, having only the absence of Abel Ruiz, with Yangel Herrera returning from suspension. Herrera is expected to strengthen Celta’s midfield alongside Arthur Melo. Celta last won away on October 5 and will look to overturn that trend against a Girona side that has struggled at Montilivi recently.

As both Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla prepare for their crucial encounter, fans can expect an intense battle for points in the competitive landscape of LaLiga.