La Liga matchday 2: can Alavés keep up their winning run? Preview and prediction for the clash with Rayo on August 20
On Thursday, August 20, the action continues in the second round of Spain's La Liga as Rayo Vallecano faces off against Alavés. Due to ongoing technical work at their home ground, Campo de Vallecas, the match will be played at a neutral venue—the Estadio Municipal de Butarque in Leganés. Both teams come into the second matchday riding very different emotional waves after the season opener, adding a unique tactical flavor to this encounter.
The opening round of the Spanish championship saw the opponents earn dramatically different results. Rayo Vallecano kicked off their campaign away to Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán and let victory slip away at the death, falling 1-2. Álvaro García gave the Madrid side an early lead in the fourth minute, but Sevilla equalized from the penalty spot in the second half and then snatched a comeback win with another penalty deep into stoppage time—90+7 minutes. Rayo’s squad put in a stellar shift at the start, but fell apart under heavy pressure as the final whistle approached.
Alavés, on the other hand, delivered one of the most impressive performances of matchday one, dismantling Getafe 3-0 at their Mendizorrotza home. The key turning point came late in the first half when the visitors were reduced to ten men. In the second half, the Basques completely pinned back their rivals and turned the screw with clinical finishes from Nahuel Tenaglia, Mariano Díaz, and Mikel Rodríguez. This emphatic win vaulted Alavés straight into the leading pack and set them up for matchday two on a wave of confidence.
The tactical script for this clash will largely hinge on Rayo Vallecano’s desire to bounce back from their painful setback in Seville. The Madrid outfit will likely rely on their trademark aggressive pressing, high activity on the flanks, and quick, incisive balls into the box. However, the lack of home support at Vallecas may dampen their usual early onslaught. Alavés, meanwhile, will come to Leganés looking to play a disciplined, reactive game—leaning on rock-solid defense, compact midfield organization, and dangerous counterattacks sparked by Mariano Díaz and their dynamic wingers.
The psychological edge firmly sits with the Basque side after their confident start. Rayo Vallecano will try to seize the initiative, but breaking down Alavés’ well-drilled backline will be no easy feat. Expect a tight, hard-fought contest loaded with physical battles, where fortune may ultimately favor the luckier side.
Prediction
I believe we’re in for a high-scoring affair—expect an open, entertaining game. My prediction: over 2 goals at 1.95 odds
