Rayo Vallecano
- Iñigo Pérez’s side are in mid-table in LaLiga, which is perfectly in line with their budget and expectations, yet their deep run in Europe has brought Vallecas to life and added an emotional dimension to the matches.
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After a 2-0 win over Getafe, a 1-0 win over Strasbourg and a 3-3 draw with Real Sociedad, Rayo have not lost in their last three matches, which is a small miracle for a club that had to fight hard to stay in LaLiga a few years ago.
- 2-0 win over Getafe
- 1-0 win over Strasbourg
- 3-3 draw with Real Sociedad
Strasbourg
- Gary O’Neil’s team are an exciting, pressing side that do not lack energy or drive, while they rotate players well in transition and play a fearless young goalkeeper, Mike Penders, who has produced key saves to keep them in the tie during the first leg.
- Strasbourg are eighth in Ligue 1 with 46 points from 30 games, which is neither a good nor a bad finish for them this season as they are balancing the domestic season with their European run.
- Joaquín Panichelli leads their attack, with the versatile Emmanuel Emegha and creative Julio Enciso giving the team plenty of bite in midfield.
- Strasbourg have been in patchy form of late, beating Lorient 3-2 before losing to Toulouse, Nice and Rennes and then suffering their first-leg defeat to Rayo.
Head-to-Head
- Rayo Vallecano leads 1 - 0 on aggregate after a first-leg home win in the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs.
- A 1 - 0 home win would put Strasbourg into extra time as the away goals rule has been scrapped, so every Vallecano attack will be loaded with potential significance.
Key Players
- Florian Lejeune’s defensive unit has kept things tight when needed and allowed Rayo to control games on their terms, while keeper Batalla has been a safe hands on set pieces - which is where Rayo have done most of their damage in the competition.
- Alemão’s ability to bully defenders in the air means he is always a threat from corners and free kicks and he was on hand to get the only goal of the game from a corner when Rayo played Strasbourg in the Vallecas first-leg.
- Isi Palazón, the set-piece artist, delivered the cross and he remains Rayo’s main chance creator in Europe.
- Joaquín Panichelli leads their attack, with the versatile Emmanuel Emegha and creative Julio Enciso giving the team plenty of bite in midfield.
- Gary O’Neil’s team are an exciting, pressing side that do not lack energy or drive, while they rotate players well in transition and play a fearless young goalkeeper, Mike Penders, who has produced key saves to keep them in the tie during the first leg.
Betting Insights
- Strasbourg are 1.95 favourites for Thursday’s second leg, although Rayo should have enough in the bank to secure a draw and potential advance at 3.97.
- Both teams to score - Yes is available at 1.74, which is good enough for our money because we think Strasbourg can get a goal at some stage, but we also believe Rayo can defend well enough to prevent a second.
Prediction
- We’re expecting a compact Rayo side to come and press high, clogging the central areas with a high line and looking to hit Strasbourg on the counter and from set pieces.
- A goal either way is likely to be crucial, so Rayo can’t afford to take any risks, but this is also a game where set-pieces could be decisive.
- With the weather forecast suggesting patchy showers and cool temperatures at Stade de la Meinau, this could be a scrappy, set-piece matchup.
