Betis at home to the strongest LaLiga side
After the first leg in the Spanish football top flight was completed last weekend, there was a cup round during the week before the second leg kick-off is now on the agenda. A duel between two surprise teams will take place in the Madrid suburbs. The sensationally performing promoted team Rayo Vallecano will welcome Betis Sevilla.
The “St. Pauli of Spain”, as the Red and Whites are often called, have played a fantastic season so far and were able to get rid of their relegation worries early on. Currently, Rayo is even knocking on the door of an international starting place. The guests from Andalusia are currently in such a position – even in the Champions League. The two teams are currently separated by only three points and the betting odds offered between Rayo Vallecano and Betis Sevilla are correspondingly balanced. In view of their strong home record, the promoted team is seen as the slight favourite.
After both teams conceded defeat in their first league match of 2022, both teams won their cup match on Wednesday night and gained confidence for the second leg. The match kicks off on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.
Rayo Vallecano – Statistics & current form
The 2012/13 season was by far the most successful season for Rayo Vallecano in the 21st century of football. The team finished the season in eighth place and had 31 points after the first half of the season. In the current season, Rayo have 30 points and missed the club record in the 21st century by just one point. However, the best finish in LaLiga is still possible.
Outstanding home record
The extremely successful season so far for Andoni Iraola’s side is due in particular to their performances at home. The current home table is not led by Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid or Sevilla, but the best home team in the Spanish football top flight is Rayo Vallecano. In nine home games, the promoted team has collected an outstanding 25 points. The only loss of points came on 1 November in a goalless draw against Celta Vigo. The remaining eight home games were all victorious.
Particularly noteworthy is the fact that Rayo Vallecano have conceded only three goals in their home games. With such an impressive home record, the prediction of a home win between Rayo Vallecano and Betis Sevilla is obvious. However, these figures are somewhat put into perspective when looking at the opponents. Apart from the struggling top club FC Barcelona, no top team has ever been a guest in the Madrid suburb. Nevertheless, the feeling of such an outstanding record is worth a lot and with moderate stakes, a bet on the host is definitely worthwhile.
Predicted line-up of Rayo Vallecano:
Zidane – Garcia, Maras, Saveljich, Balliu – Valentin, Comasena – Rodrigues, Lopez, Palazon – Guardiola
Last matches played by Rayo Vallecano:
Copa del Rey
01/05 2022 – CD Mirandes 0 – 1 Rayo Vallecano
LaLiga
01/02 2022 – Atletico Madrid2 – 0 Rayo Vallecano
12/18 2021 – Rayo Vallecano 2 – 0 Deportivo Alaves
Copa del Rey
12/15 2021 – Bergantinos CF 1 – 3 Rayo Vallecano
LaLiga
12/12 2021 – Villarreal FC 2 – 0 Rayo Vallecano
Betis Sevilla – Statistics & current form
Almost every football fan thinks first of Sevilla FC when they think of the city of Sevilla. Only the second thought will probably be that with Betis Sevilla another club from the Andalusian city can be found in the Spanish football top flight. Betis is traditionally considered a working-class club and is accordingly used to being in the shadow of its city rival, which basically embodies the upper class.
Best first half since 2012/13
For Rayo Vallecano, the current season has been their best first half since the 2012/13 season, and the same is true for Betis Sevilla. Nine years ago, the Andalusians had one more point after 19 matchdays than they do now (34 instead of 33), finishing the season in seventh place. With the big top teams stumbling this season, Betis Sevilla can even dream of the top flight.
The decisive factor here is the very strong offensive, because with 32 goals this season, Manuel Pellegrini’s team has scored the second most goals. Only league leaders Real Madrid have scored more times. On average, 2.89 goals per game were scored in matches involving Betis. In seven of the 19 games, bets on a score of over 3.5 were crowned with success – the highest value in the league.
Champagne or seltzer
A look at recent results in the league shows that betting on a draw is discouraged in games involving the third-placed team in the table. Since a 2-2 draw with Espanyol Barcelona on 19 September, Betis have either won (nine times) or lost (five times). Accordingly, the current motto is – champagne or seltzer.
In addition, there has not been a single goalless draw for Pellegrini’s team so far this season. A feat that only Deportivo Alaves can boast after 19 games. 84 per cent over 1.5 games (16 of 19) is also a league high.
Predicted line-up of Betis Sevilla:
Silva – Moreno, Ruiz, Bartra, Bellerin – Carvalho, Guardado – Juanmi, Canales, Lainez – Iglesias
Last matches played by Betis Sevilla:
Copa del Rey
01/05 2022 – Real Valladolid 0 – 3 Real Betis
LaLiga
01/02 2022 – Real Betis 0 – 2 Celta Vigo
12/19 2021 – Athletic Bilbao 3 – 2 Real Betis
Copa del Rey
12/16 2021 – CF Talavera de la Reina 2 – 4 Real Betis
LaLiga
12/12 2021 – Real Betis 4 – 0 San Sebastian
Rayo Vallecano – Betis Sevilla Direct comparison / H2H record
In the first leg this season, Betis took an early lead with a double strike, but the promoted side were able to equalise. However, a penalty goal by Willian Jose decided the game in favour of the favourites. It was Betis Sevilla’s tenth win in their 25th LaLiga encounter against Rayo Vallecano. The Andalusians also have a slightly positive record in the Madrid suburbs, with five wins (compared to four defeats and three draws).
However, their last appearance at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas ended in defeat on penalties. In the Copa del Rey 2019/20, the green-and-whites from Sevilla were narrowly defeated.
Rayo Vallecano – Betis Sevilla Tip
At first glance, the tip between Rayo Vallecano and Betis Sevilla seems clear – a home win. After all, on the one hand they are the best home team in the league, while the visitors have lost twice in the domestic championship recently. However, Betis Sevilla is certainly one of the strongest guests Rayo has received so far. A team that is very strong in its own right and has its strengths above all in terms of play.
The very strong Rayo defence will certainly be put to the test on Sunday afternoon. Betis Sevilla, after all, boast the second best offence in the league after Real Madrid. Rayo know where the goal is, especially at home, and that’s why in this unexpected top match between Rayo Vallecano and Betis Sevilla, betting on the over 2.5 is considered the best option.
