Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano: Match Preview and Predictions

August 24, 2024. 22:30. Getafe. “Coliseum”.
La Liga 2024-25. Matchday 2

Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano (Madrid)

Where to watch: MEGOGO, Volia TV

Suspended: None

Injured: Mauro Arambarri – Andrey Ratiu

Questionable: Borja Mayoral – Alvaro Garcia, Raul de Tomas

Getafe

In their opening match against Athletic in Bilbao, Jose Bordalás’s squad featured only seven substitutes, two of whom were goalkeepers. Late in the first half, Mauro Arambarri and the lively Carles Pérez suffered injuries. Surprisingly, the visitors’ central forward was the powerful rookie midfielder, Kristantus Uche, who netted the only goal for the “azulones” at “San Mamés”, skillfully winning the position during a set-piece and heading the ball brilliantly. The match, which clearly favored the hosts, ended in a 1:1 draw, and Bordalás and his team deserve recognition for their performance. Moreover, the “blues” had a chance to win the match but squandered a clear-cut opportunity.

Throughout the week, the injury situation at Getafe hasn’t significantly changed, but progress has been made. Earlier this week, the “azulones” sold center-back Gastón Álvarez for a hefty sum to Saudi Arabia on the second attempt, and almost immediately found a replacement by signing Juan Berrocal from Eibar for 2.2 million euros. Just prior, they finalized the loan of Turkish forward Bertug Yildirim from French club Rennes and are currently negotiating for another striker. There are also rumors that Getafe is looking to loan central defender Santiago Mourinho from Atlético. Additionally, they could use another quality player in midfield. However, all of these are still plans, and the transfer window is closing soon, while they need to play three matches in the meantime.

Rayo Vallecano

In my view, the “Lightning” have emerged as the main surprise of the opening round, outperforming not only Getafe but also Mallorca, who unexpectedly took points from favorites Athletic and Real Madrid, respectively. Inigo Perez’s team claimed an away victory over Real Sociedad with a score of 2:1, and the win was entirely deserved. Of course, it’s difficult to draw conclusions from just one match (the notion that “Rayo” could end up as one of the season’s three disappointments hasn’t disappeared), but the energy and speed displayed by Rayo Vallecano were impressive, along with the playing models they offered their opponents. While this team may lack high-profile players (rumors suggest they might be close to signing James Rodriguez), who can make a difference, their desire to play and win is undeniable.

Gradually, Inigo Perez is returning the “Lightning” to the settings of the Andoni Iraola era, where he was an assistant, but with his own adjustments. This approach may ultimately prove effective. However, let’s refrain from jumping to conclusions. Last season, the Madrid side also started brightly, achieving away victories against Almería and Granada, but then suffered a 0:7 defeat at Vallecas against Atlético and nearly faced relegation to La Liga 2. Returning to their victory in San Sebastián, Jorge de Frutos and Sergio Camello, the hero of the Paris Olympic final, found the net for the visitors. The first goal was set up by center-back Abdul Mumin, who unexpectedly embarked on a solo run into the opponent’s penalty area, while the second was courtesy of substitutes – Pate Siss provided a brilliant pass to Camello, who skillfully outplayed Alex Remiro. In stoppage time, the Basques managed to score one goal back, and that was how the match concluded.

Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano: Expected Lineups

For Getafe, midfielder Mauro Arambarri is unavailable due to discomfort, and Borja Mayoral’s participation in the match is in doubt. However, the “azulones” likely won’t be able to register Bertug Yildirim in time, while fellow newcomer Juan Berrocal will be available to assist his new team when called upon. As for Rayo Vallecano, they will miss right-back Andrey Ratiu, who will be replaced by Ivan Balliu. Furthermore, the participation of Alvaro Garcia and Raul de Tomas in the match is questionable, as they missed the game in Bilbao due to injuries.

Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano: Author’s Prediction

Earlier this year, Rayo Vallecano won an away match against Getafe with a score of 2:0, thanks to a brace from Sergio Camello, albeit that game for the “azulones” was technically a home match held at the “Metropolitano”, Atlético’s home ground. It’s worth noting that in four of the last six encounters between these opponents, the result has ended in a draw, while in the other two, the “Lightning” claimed all three points. Considering Getafe’s injury issues, the Madrid team could avoid defeat this time, but it’s hard to believe in Inigo Perez’s team winning at the “Coliseum”. Moreover, a high-scoring encounter should not be anticipated from this matchup.