Rayo Vallecano are aiming for consecutive wins as they host Levante in their La Liga campaign on Monday night. The capital side currently sit 15th in the league table, a comfortable six points above the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Levante are struggling in 19th place, four points adrift of Elche, who occupy 17th.
Rayo Vallecano are coming off a 3-1 victory against Samsunspor in the Conference League, putting them in a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals. In La Liga, Inigo Perez’s team has a record of seven wins, 10 draws, and 10 defeats from 27 matches, accumulating 31 points.
League Form and Previous Encounters
Rayo Vallecano are currently six points clear of the relegation zone and are unbeaten in their last five league matches, with two wins. Their most recent league game resulted in a 1-1 draw with Sevilla. At their home ground, Los Franjirrojos have only suffered two defeats in Spain’s top flight this season, drawing seven of their 13 matches.
Rayo Vallecano will be looking to complete a La Liga double over Levante, having won the reverse fixture 3-0 earlier in the season. Levante just edge the head-to-head record with 15 wins to Rayo’s 13, and 11 draws between the sides. The Frogs secured a 4-2 victory over Rayo in their corresponding match in 2021-22 and have won two of their last four games against the capital outfit.
Levante’s Fight for Survival
Levante, positioned 19th in La Liga, are four points behind 17th-placed Elche. A win on Monday would significantly boost their chances of survival. Levante possess the worst defensive record in the league this season, having conceded 45 goals in 27 matches. However, they have picked up four points from their last two games, with a win against Alaves and a draw with Girona.
Interestingly, three of Levante’s five league wins this season have been away from home, potentially giving them an advantage on Monday night. They will also be the fresher of the two teams.
Team News and Expected Changes
Rayo Vallecano will be without Diego Mendez due to injury. Otherwise, the home side are in good shape for the Levante clash.
Head coach Perez is expected to shuffle his pack, keeping in mind next week’s second leg against Samsunspor. Alemao, who scored twice on Thursday, is likely to start on the bench. Jorge de Frutos is in line for a spot in the final third, while Isi Palazon and Ilias Akhomach could both be rested.
Levante will be missing Roger Brugue, Pablo Martinez, and Carlos Alvarez through injury. Unai Elgezabal, Ugo Raghouber, and Kareem Tunde are also major doubts. The visitors will also be without Adrian de la
Rayo Vallecano will aim to capitalise on their recent form and home advantage as they face a struggling Levante side desperate for points in their fight against relegation.