The promoted team receives a promoted team

This duel is carried by great expectations. On one side is Granada, one of the three promoted teams. Mission class preservation began thereby in Madrid conceivably badly. The guests (also from Madrid), on the other hand, stole the points from Almeria. With a new coach (but old aspirations), Rayo, one of the promoted teams of recent years, faces uncertain times. In Granada vs Rayo Vallecano, the betting odds look favorably on the Andalusians.

In both cases, the transfer summer has been a rather quiet one. The hosts, as promoted teams, primarily rely on the personnel from the previous season. Freely according to the motto “never change a winning system” only small additions were made. The guests proceeded similarly.

The biggest question is behind the new coach and his ideas. Only with some lead time will there probably be any changes to the squad. The betting agencies tend to favor continuity. That’s why the forecast home win is more likely for Granada against Rayo Vallecano.

While the beginning was much more promising for the guests. Granada had to go to the Metropolitano in Madrid at the beginning and conceded (an expected) rebuff. Rayo, on the other hand, was on the road itself and had to deal with Almeria.

The men from Vallecas mastered this task with flying colors. Three points and 2:0 goals are on the credit side in the table. Nevertheless, the guests are considered slight underdogs. For Granada against Rayo Vallecano, the odds are more likely to tip 1.

Granada – statistics & current form

After the promotion is before the class preservation. That is at least the hope in the old home of the Moors. Whether this can succeed remains to be seen. The building blocks for it are however present.

The Coach

With Paco Lopez, the coach is on the sidelines since September 2022. The man from Silla (near Valencia) looks back on an unspectacular playing career. His coaching stations are also rather modest. In addition to tiny teams like Catarroja and Benidorm, he has long been at home with youth teams.

Villareal C (twice), Villareal B, Valencia B and Levante B are on his list. So he can do youth work. After three years at Levante (in which his men reached the semifinals of the Copa), he joined Granada. They were promoted and now the club’s giants are hoping to stay in the league.

Trust in the proven

The squad which is to bring this enterprise to a good end is thereby majority unchanged. With six additions and six departures, there is a lot of routine and familiarity in the squad. This is one of the common approaches for a promoted team. Since the money for a complete rebuild was probably not available and also the quality seems to be given, they decided to go this way. Especially Wilson Manafa (Porto), Gonzalo Villar (Roma) and Shon Weissman (Valladolid) had what it takes to become X-Factor.

The First Try

The first appearance, however, dampened the hopes of the guests. Against Atletico de Madrid it set a clear 1:3 in the Metropolitano. Even though the first goal was scored just before the break, the difference in class was clear. Especially in the first half, only the Colchoneros played. The 50% possession of the ball deceives about the game conditions. 1.15 to 0.00 for expected goals is more a reflection of reality.

If Atleti had been a bit more concentrated, the game would have been over before the break. After the same they could equalize briefly but then the avalanche rolled on. Rayo probably does not have this quality and this also seems to fuel the estimates of the betting companies. Close but still the odds are 1 in front for Granada against Rayo Vallecano.

Predicted lineup of Granada:

Granada (Expected lineup) 4-4-2

Rayo Vallecano – statistics & current form

Rayo is still looking for himself. After the departure of Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), the destination of the journey is still unclear. The desire remains unchanged Europe. If that doesn’t happen, it should at least be to stay in the league.

The new one

The new coach is the big question mark. Many wondered why when he was appointed. The playing career was hardly it. Only at Polialmeria and Almeria did he score in double figures (as a striker). As a coach, he worked his way through the Almeria levels (youth, B and combat). After that came UCAM Murcia, Lugo, Cordoba, Huesca, Girona and Elche.

It is exciting that only Girona reached a 50% win rate. At Huesca it was only 18.75 (with 32 games). A successful coach looks different. As it seems, the man must have been very convincing in his interview. That would also be an advantage in the dressing room.

The squad

He enters this one with a ready-made squad in front of him. With few exceptions, the legacy of Mr. Iraola stands ready before him. With eight departures and three additions, not much has happened at Vallecas. The departures of Fran Garcia (Real), Alejandro Cartena (Osasuna) and Santi Comesana (Villareal) undoubtedly hurt.

But with Alfonso Espino (Cadiz) and Aridane Hernandez (Osasuna), two experienced kickers have been lured to Vallecas. With their experience and the quality of players like Isi Palazon or Raul de Tomas, something is always possible. They showed that in the league opener

The first serious match

They were guests in Almeria for the start of the new season. The final score was 2-0, with two penalties enough to win. However, this only tells part of the story. Almeria was the team with the ball. Only 40% went to Rayo (42 and 38) before and after the break. The shots on goal (19:10), shots on goal (5:4) as well as corner kicks (8:3) were on Almeria’s side.

But the Expected Goals were 1.49 to 2.22. The penalties distort this statistic a little bit, but Rayo was more dangerous when they were in front of the goal of the opponent. Efficiency is also a strength.

Predicted lineup of Rayo Vallecano:

Rayo Vallecano (Expected lineup) 4-2-3-1

Granada – Rayo Vallecano Direct comparison / H2H balance

The duel of the two is quite regular. Due to promotions and relegations, however, not always in the Primera. Regardless of the league, Rayo is oppressively superior. In the past ten games, seven were won by the visitors. The Nazarene side has only managed one win. The 2-0 win, however, dates back to 2013.

In the season before relegation, the hosts managed a 2:2 draw at home. In Vallecas, however, they went down 0:4. Should this trend continue, a goal bet at bet-at-home offers itself in the case. Goalless ended this duel last time over ten years ago. But despite all the dominance, bettors assume a break in the series. For Granada vs Rayo Vallecano, most tips are going for a home win.

Granada – Rayo Vallecano betting tips

The summer was a quiet one in both camps. At Rayo, a new coach had to be found. The hosts spared themselves that. They trust in the same coach and the same staff as last year. So the bookmakers’ assessment seems to hinge on the personnel on the sidelines.

However, when the quality of the squad and also the market value are considered, this assessment seems to be bold. Especially when the first matchday is added. There Rayo was not outstanding, but efficient. Granada, on the other hand, had no chance. Even if the opponent plays a role, there were more positive things to see from the guests. In our opinion, this trend continues.