Rayo Vallecano

vs

FC Drita Gjilan

Preview

Rayo Vallecano

• Rayo Vallecano have an unbeaten home record in the UEFA Conference League, winning both group home games (conceding 1 goal per game).
• Rayo’s recent results have been mixed (W2, D1, L2) including a 2-1 extra-time victory in the Copa del Rey, a narrow loss at LaLiga’s Espanyol and a Conference League victory over Jagiellonia Bialystok.

Drita Gjilan

• Drita Gjilan have conceded only 1 goal in 2 away Conference League group games, maintaining an unbeaten record on the road (W1, D1).
• Drita have been a defensively solid unit since Zekirija Ramadani took over as head coach in November 2023, building a squad that can play on the counter and pose a threat from set-piece situations.
• They come into this game in solid form (W2, D2, L1) after beating Kosovo’s KF Shkendija 1-0 but were trounced 3-0 at home by AZ Alkmaar in their most recent Conference League game.

Key Players

• Arb Manaj has netted 2 goals in 4 appearances in the Conference League and half of Drita's last 5 goals.
• Alvaro Garcia has bagged 2 goals in 5 Conference League games.

Betting Insights

• The oddsmakers make them heavy favorites at 1.14, with the draw priced at 8.0.
• Rayo will dominate possession and create more chances but Drita’s defensive structure will ensure that this will not be an open game.
• There could be value in Under 2.5 goals at 2.62 for a game where Drita can sit deep and frustrate Rayo for long spells.

Prediction

• Drita can keep it close and make Rayo work for the win.
• Back Under 2.5 goals at 2.62 as a sensible market to consider.