Real Betis – Rayo Vallecano, Picks and Tips
"The Benito Villamarin's 'Greens' were on a run of four consecutive wins in all competitions until last week. This was followed by a 0-0 draw against Zenit in the return leg of the UEFA Europa League last 16. However, qualification was decided by that 3-2 win in Russia. The big disappointment was to come at the weekend, with defeat in the city derby. Pellegrini's side succumbed at the Sanchez Pizjuan against Sevilla, 1-2. Ivan Rakitic and Munir El Haddadi settled the game in the first half, and Sergio Canales' goal in the fourth minute of extra time didn't matter. Real Betis, however, are having a great season. After 26 rounds of the current LaLiga season, the Seville club is in last place on the podium. With 46 points, the gap to their city rivals is now eight 'lengths'. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are just one point behind. Returning to the European cups, Betis will play Eintracht Frankfurt in the next round.
Instead, Rayo is a shadow of the team that was reaching the European Cup places earlier this season. The club from the suburbs of Madrid had a nightmarish February, losing all five of their games. In addition to the 1-2 defeat to Betis in the first leg of the Spanish Cup, Iraola's side lost in the league against Celta Vigo (0-2), Osasuna (0-3), Elche (1-2) and Real Madrid (0-1). The match against the "galacticos" at the weekend was however a very good one for the "Franjirrojos", who only succumbed after Karim Benzema's 83rd minute winner. Vallecano are now in 12th place in the Primera Division. With 31 points accumulated in the first 25 rounds of the Spanish championship, Rayo can rest easy. The distance to the relegation zone is no less than 10 "lengths".
Our recommendation tip for Real Betis – Rayo Vallecano: REAL BETIS TO WIN @ 1.80