Rayo Vallecano Vs Alavés

Deportivo Alaves is set to face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday afternoon, desperately seeking to break a streak of four consecutive losses in La Liga. Their winless run, which has persisted since September 20, has seen them slide down to 14th place in the league standings. In contrast, Rayo Vallecano is sitting comfortably in ninth position with 13 points from their first ten matches of the season.

Rayo Vallecano’s Current Form
Rayo Vallecano, under the management of Inigo Perez, has had a mixed season thus far. With a record of three wins, four draws, and three losses, they find themselves two points behind seventh-placed Real Betis. Last weekend, the team brought a five-match unbeaten streak into their encounter against Mallorca but unfortunately fell short, losing 1-0 after Vedat Muriqi scored the only goal of the match in the 76th minute.

Despite this setback, Rayo Vallecano has been resilient at home, remaining unbeaten in their last three league matches on their turf. This includes a commendable 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid. With Alaves struggling for form, Rayo will be confident heading into the match, aiming to capitalize on their opponents' difficulties.

Rayo Vallecano ended last season in 17th place and will be looking to improve upon that finish. They achieved a solid 2-0 victory over Alaves in their previous encounter during the 2023-24 season. However, it is worth noting that Alaves emerged victorious in their last meeting in March, winning 1-0. This weekend's clash is significant for Rayo as it marks their last league match for the month before their Copa del Rey campaign kicks off against Villamuriel on October 29.

Deportivo Alaves’ Struggles
Deportivo Alaves had a promising 2023-24 season, securing their return to La Liga via the Segunda Division playoffs and finishing in a respectable 10th place. This season began with hope, but a series of defeats has dampened their spirits. Since their last victory on September 20, they have suffered losses to Real Madrid, Getafe, Barcelona, and Real Valladolid.

In their most recent outing, Alaves participated in a thrilling encounter against Real Valladolid. Toni Martinez initially put Alaves ahead in the sixth minute; however, they soon found themselves on the back foot as Valladolid scored three unanswered goals. Kike Garcia managed to pull one back late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.

As it stands, Alaves occupies 14th place in La Liga, having accumulated just 10 points from their ten matches. Their record includes three wins, one draw, and six losses. The team is eager to halt their losing streak and turn their fortunes around against Rayo Vallecano.

Defensive Issues
One of the primary concerns for Alaves this season has been their defensive frailty. They have conceded 18 goals in their first ten matches, marking one of the weakest defensive records in La Liga, tied for the third worst alongside Villarreal. This defensive vulnerability will need to be addressed if they are to stand a chance against a confident Rayo Vallecano side.

Key Players and Tactical Approaches
As Alaves look to break their losing streak, key players like Toni Martinez and Kike Garcia will need to step up. Martinez has shown an ability to score early, which could be vital for building momentum. On the defensive end, they must tighten their organization to avoid falling behind early, a trend that has plagued them this season.

For Rayo Vallecano, manager Inigo Perez will likely emphasize a balanced approach, focusing on maintaining possession while exploiting Alaves' defensive weaknesses. The home side's attacking prowess, led by Vedat Muriqi, will be crucial in their quest for three points.

Conclusion
The upcoming clash between Deportivo Alaves and Rayo Vallecano promises to be an intriguing encounter, particularly with Alaves aiming to end their disappointing run and Rayo looking to solidify their mid-table position. Both teams have unique challenges to navigate, making this match a pivotal moment in their respective campaigns. As the teams prepare for Saturday’s battle, the stakes are high, and the outcome could significantly impact their seasons moving forward.