Rayo Vallecano
- Rayo Vallecano are unbeaten in six matches in all competitions after two strong LaLiga wins and a dominant away victory in the UEFA Conference League round-of-16 first leg against Samsunspor.
- Rayo are an aggressive, direct and compact side that likes to overload the wide areas with overlapping full backs and take the ball early when they win it back.
- Isi Palazón is the maestro of their attacks, but Rayo have some other clever and fast players who can deliver a final third pass or shot.
- Alemão is their talisman, a physical presence who has scored goals in both European and domestic competitions and scored a brace at Samsunspor.
Samsunspor
- Samsunspor will come onto the attack in this game and need to, as Rayo hold a two-goal cushion and the home advantage.
- Their need to attack could play into Rayo’s hands as they are a team that thrives on transitional soccer.
- Samsunspor have been in mixed form, recently losing 3-1 to Rayo in Turkey and narrowly falling 3-2 to Fenerbahçe.
- Marius Mouandilmadji has been their main goal threat, scoring in their 4-0 rout of Shkëndija and in the first leg against Rayo.
- Cherif Ndiaye and Carlo Holse are other attacking threats while goalkeeper Okan Kocuk has made some big stops to keep his team in games in Europe.
Head-to-Head
- Rayo Vallecano lead 3-1 on aggregate after a dominant performance in the away leg.
- Alemão scored twice in the first leg and is a strong anytime scorer bet here.
- Samsunspor have been inconsistent since losing to Rayo, losing 3-1 at home and 3-2 away to Fenerbahçe.
Rayo Vallecano
- Isi Palazón - the creative hub of their attack.
- Alemão - physical talisman and recent brace scorer.
- Jorge de Frutos - additional attacking threat.
- Álvaro García - additional attacking threat.
Samsunspor
- Marius Mouandilmadji - main goal threat, scores on the break and from set plays.
- Cherif Ndiaye - attacking option.
- Carlo Holse - attacking option.
- Okan Kocuk - goalkeeper who has produced big saves in Europe.
Betting Insights
- Rayo are listed at 1.65 to win this game, Samsunspor are 4.9 and the draw is 3.85, which makes the Spanish side clear favourites to progress.
- The Both teams to score market sits around 1.9, reflecting an open game as the visitors should push forward.
Prediction
They have the momentum and talent to see off Samsunspor here, so expect Rayo Vallecano to progress given the two-goal cushion and current form.
