Rayo Vallecano's defensive problems are becoming critical: Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol prediction
The La Liga sixth-round match between Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol will take place on 15 September at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque in Leganés, where the Madrid side are temporarily playing their home matches. The hosts have collected only four points from five rounds, while the Catalans have seven points and sit in the top half of the table.
Rayo Vallecano: 14 goals conceded in five rounds
Beñat San José's side suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the previous round, with Sergio Camello scoring their only goal. Rayo have managed just one victory in five league matches, a 3-2 win over Racing.
Defence remains their biggest problem, with the Madrid side already conceding 14 goals, the worst record in La Liga over this period. The situation is further complicated by numerous absences, including Augusto Batalla, Isi Palazón and the suspended Jorge de Frutos.
Espanyol: more reliable at the back and winning again
Manolo González's side have collected seven points from their opening five matches and head into this fixture after a 2-0 victory over Osasuna. Roberto Fernández scored twice early in the match.
Unlike their opponents, Espanyol have conceded only five goals in five rounds. The Catalans have also won four of their last five meetings with Rayo, although the previous encounter went in favour of the Madrid side.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Rayo Vallecano have conceded 14 goals in five rounds, the worst record in the league over this period.
- Sergio Camello has scored six goals and is among La Liga's leading scorers.
- Espanyol have won four of their last five meetings with Rayo.
The visitors can take advantage of their opponents' vulnerability: Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol prediction
Rayo remain dangerous going forward thanks to Camello's form, so a goal for the hosts cannot be completely ruled out. However, the team are allowing their opponents far too many chances and are also without several important players.
Espanyol look more balanced and are more reliable defensively. Given the Madrid side's current problems, the visitors have a good chance of taking all three points.
