The Matchday 1 clash in La Liga between Girona and Rayo Vallecano will take place on August 15 at the Montilivi Stadium. Girona vs. Rayo Vallecano: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Girona
The Catalans finished last season in 16th place, just one point ahead of the nearest relegation rival. Michel Sanchez's side lost exactly half of their matches in La Liga 2024/25 (only Las Palmas and Valladolid, who were relegated to the Segunda, had more losses). Additionally, Girona conceded 60 goals, the third-worst defensive record in La Liga. Notably, the club finished a high 3rd place in the league the previous season, earning them a debut in European competitions. The decline in results was due not only to their involvement in the Champions League but also to the loss of nearly all their key players before the start of last season.
In the off-season, the club did not make significant acquisitions. The loan of midfielder Thomas Lemar from Atletico is worth mentioning.
- In their last 16 league matches, the Catalans secured just 2 wins (4 draws and 10 losses).
- At home, Girona has not won in 7 of their last 8 La Liga matches (2 draws and 5 losses).
- The team has not scored more than 1 goal in their last 6 home games in La Liga.
Projected lineup for Girona (4-4-2)
Paulo Gazzaniga – Daley Blind, Ladislav Krejci, Alejandro Frances, Arnau Martinez – Yangel Herrera, Ivan Martin, John Solis, Yaser Asprilla, Viktor Tsygankov – Bojan Miovski.
Forward Cristian Stuani will not play due to the death of his father.
Rayo Vallecano
The Madrid side has been playing continuously in La Liga since 2021. During this period, the team finished in the bottom half of the table three times, but last season they achieved a high 8th place, allowing them to participate in the Conference League. They secured the European spot thanks to a five-match unbeaten run at the end of the season (3 wins and 2 draws). Notably, Rayo Vallecano was sixth in the league for away performances. The club conceded only 19 goals away from home, the third-best defensive record in away matches in La Liga.
This summer, the team was not active in the transfer market. There were no sales or purchases. The arrival of defender Luis Felipe from Marseille (free agent) is noteworthy.
- The team has not won in 11 of their last 15 La Liga matches (5 draws and 6 losses).
- At least two goals were scored in 10 of Rayo Vallecano's last 13 La Liga matches.
- The Madrid side scored in 10 of their last 12 away matches in La Liga.
Projected lineup for Rayo Vallecano (4-4-2)
Augusto Batalla – Florian Lejeune, Andrei Ratiu, Ivan Balliu, Alfonso Espino – Pathé Ciss, Isi Palazón, Óscar Valentín, Unai López – Adrián Embarba, Jorge de Frutos.
Referee:
Javier Alberola Rojas (Spain)
Matches – 20 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 60;
Average yellow cards per match – 3;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 35%.
Match Prediction: Girona vs. Rayo Vallecano
In the upcoming match, expect both teams to score. Both teams had similar attacking records last season, averaging just over 1 goal per match. Both sides also had defensive issues, especially the Catalans, who conceded 30 goals in 19 La Liga home matches in 2024/25. However, Michel Sanchez's side frequently scored at Montilivi, averaging 1.4 goals per game.
The Madrid side scored almost regularly away from home – in their last 12 away matches in La Liga, they failed to score only against Atletico and Barcelona. Girona, with their defensive problems, are likely to concede against Rayo Vallecano, but they will also find the net, as they have consistently scored at least three goals in their first home match at Montilivi over the past three seasons.
My prediction – Both teams to score – yes
