Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction

Celta Vigo will host Rayo Vallecano in La Liga this weekend, with both sides joined next to each other in the top half of the table. Celta Vigo currently sit in 7th place in a Europa League spot, with Rayo Vallecano close behind in the Conference League spot.

Kick off is at 6PM Bst on Sunday 18th May at the Estadio Abanca-Balaidos in Vigo. UK viewers can watch the game via LaLigaTV or Premier Sports.

Key Stats

Celta Vigo have scored twelve goals in their last five matches.

Rayo Vallecano have scored just five goals in their last five matches.

Former Barcelona player Oscar Mingueza has created the most chances for Celta Vigo this season with eleven.

Celta Vigo's two losses in their last five matches came to both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano Team Previews, Form and Standout Players

Celta Vigo Preview

Celta Vigo have enjoyed a top season in the Spanish top flight. The side only finished in thirteenth place last seaosn with 41 points, but currenlty sit on 52 points with two games to go, and look extremely likely to be playing in a European competition next season.

Former Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias has scored the most for Celta Vigo, with ten goals this season, whilst Oscar Mingueza has the most assists with six. Iago Aspas is into his tenth year at the club, and has also performed well, with nine goals and four assists.

Celta Vigo Predicted Lineup: Guaita; Ristic, Dominguez, Rodriguez; Carreira, Moriba, Beltran, Mingueza; Gonzalez, Aspas, Iglesias.

Rayo Vallecano Preview

Similarly to Celta Vigo, Rayo Vallecano have impressed this season, and made an even bigger improvement on their league standing this year. The Spanish finished one place above the relegation, avoiding the drop by five points. No one could have seen this improvement coming, but they have managed to jump to eighth place this year, and could be playing in a European competition next season, although there are plenty of teams still in the fight.

Goals have been a struggle, with their top scorer Jorge De Frutos only mustering up five goals this year, with Alvaro Garcia having the most assists also with five.

Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup: Batalla; Chavarria, Hernandez, Lejeune, Balliu; Diaz, Ciss; Garcia, Isi, Ratiu; de Frutos.

Head-to-Head Stats

The two sides have faced of many times in the past few years, but no side has seen to have a clear string of wins, with numerous draws throughout. Rayo Vallecano were the victors in the reverse fixture in January, winning 2-1 at home to Celta Vigo.

10th January 2024- Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Celta Vigo

31st March 2024- Celta Vigo 0-0 Rayo Vallecano

11th December 2023- Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Celta Vigo

11th March 2023- Celta Vigo 3-0 Rayo Vallecano

10th November 2022- Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Celta Vigo

Betting Tips

The match between the two will be very close, considering that both sides are next to each other in the league table. They both still have lots to play for, and neither will be holding back in their playstyle. Therefore, picking a match winner out of the two is difficult to predict, but it is easier to suggest that there will be plenty of goals in this match, so over 2.5 goals could be a good bet.

Final Prediction

Both sides have made immense improvements this season, with both now sitting in European Football positions. Therefore, the game between the two will be tight. Celta Vigo have won three of their last five games, only losing out against Barcelona and Real Madrid, suggesting they are in good form. Rayo Vallecano have picked up many draws recently, making them seem less favourites. I think Celta Vigo just have enough to get over the line considering they have the home support as well. I think Celta Vigo win 3-2.