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Opposition lowdown: Rayo Vallecano
RCD Espanyol are on the road to Vallecas to face Rayo this Sunday
RCD Espanyol are on the road to face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
The fight for LaLiga survival is heating up with every week that passes, as four matches now remain for the Mágico to stay in the top flight. They face a Rayo side who have been pushing for Europe all season, now finding themselves mid table and looking for a final boost towards continental football.
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Name: Rayo Vallecano de Madrid SAD
Nickname: Los Franjirrojos (The Red Sashes)
Manager: Andoni Iraola
Stadium: Estadio de Vallecas - 14,708 capacity
Last match: L 1-3 vs Real Betis
Current position: 11th
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The season so far
Rayo have exceeded expectations throughout this year to be in contention for Europa Conference League football, two points off that berth as it stands. However they have recently struggled for consistency, coming off the back of a defeat at the hands of Betis but still within touching distance of Europe.
Standout player
Isi Palazón began with a goal against Espanyol and has not looked back since, being Rayo’s key player and shining star throughout the season. The winger has eight goals and five assists this campaign, as his form was recently rewarded with a new five-year contract at Vallecas.
Last time at the RCDE Stadium
Espanyol hosted Rayo in their first home match of this season in August, what now feels like an age ago. Early season optimism was quickly dwelled at the RCDE Stadium however, as the pericos fell to a 2-0 defeat on matchday 2.
Club links
Luis García’s side will reunite with a familiar face at Vallecas in former Espanyol player Raúl de Tomás, who departed the Club in September with 45 goals in 89 matches. RDT has made 15 appearances so far on his Rayo return, scoring his first goal in their last home match against Real Valladolid.