Celta vs Rayo: Mid-table clash pits in-form sides at Balaídos
Celta Vigo host Rayo Vallecano this Sunday with both teams riding high after recent victories, as the Galicians look to cement their European ambitions.
Seventh-placed Celta Vigo welcome Rayo Vallecano to Balaídos this Sunday evening in what promises to be an intriguing mid-table La Liga clash.
Form Guide
The Galicians enter this one with a spring in their step after dispatching Sevilla last time out. Claudio Giráldez’s men have been the league’s surprise package this season, currently sitting pretty in seventh with 29 points – well within touching distance of European spots.
Rayo, meanwhile, arrive in decent nick themselves having just seen off Mallorca. The Madrid outfit currently occupy 10th position with 22 points under the guidance of Iñigo Pérez, who’s got them playing some tidy football since taking the reins.
Recent History
If history’s anything to go by, the visitors might fancy their chances on Sunday. Rayo completed the double over Celta last season, winning both encounters by the same 2-1 scoreline. Talk about having your number!
The earlier meeting this campaign ended all square at 1-1 back in September, with Jorge de Frutos cancelling out Borja Iglesias’s opener. Expect another tight affair this time around.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, January 18
- Kick-off: 18:30 local time (CET)
- Venue: Estadio de Balaídos, Vigo
- TV Coverage: Movistar LaLiga
What’s at Stake
Celta have been the dog’s dinner this season – performing well above expectations. A win here would strengthen their European credentials and potentially move them closer to the top six if other results go their way.
For Rayo, three points would close the gap on the teams above and keep them in the conversation for a top-half finish – not too shabby for a side many tipped for relegation troubles at the start of the campaign.
This has all the makings of a proper Bobby Dazzler between two sides playing with freedom and confidence. Don’t be surprised if there’s goals in this one.