Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain – Deportivo Alavés will host Rayo Vallecano on Saturday in an essential La Liga clash. The match kicks off at 1:30 PM ET at the Mendizorroza stadium. This encounter is significant for both teams as they battle to secure their positions in the league. Alavés, currently sitting at 17th place with a record of 6 wins, 9 draws, and 13 losses, aims to avoid relegation, while Rayo Vallecano, in 9th place with 9 wins, 10 draws, and 9 losses, seeks to climb higher in the standings.
In their previous meeting this season, Rayo Vallecano emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win. This time around, both teams come with different back stories, making the rematch compelling. Alavés recently managed to draw against UD Las Palmas, scoring two goals but being outshot 17 to 8 in that match. Rayo Vallecano shared points with Real Sociedad in their last game, also finishing 2-2. Pedro Díaz scored once in that match, contributing to their overall tally on the season.
“Every match is important at this stage of the season,” said Rayo Vallecano coach. “We are focused on securing points away from home, and we will need to play with intensity against Alavés.” Rayo currently has 37 points, just two points behind Celta Vigo and one point clear of Sevilla and Getafe. Their goal differential is even, a stat that speaks volumes about their performance this season.
Alavés, while they currently sit close to the relegation zone, has shown resilience. They have fought back in recent weeks, drawing with Mallorca and beating Villarreal 1-0, thanks to a goal from Manu Sánchez. The team also managed to net two goals against Las Palmas, with contributions from Toni Martínez and Jon Guridi. Martínez currently stands with four goals this season, trailing just seven behind team leader Enrique García, who has netted 11.
The stakes in this match couldn’t be higher, and both teams are expected to go all out for the win. With the end of the season approaching, every point counts, and the atmosphere at Mendizorroza is sure to be electric as fans rally behind their teams.
