Rayo Vallecano are only three points above the relegation zone, despite having finished in the European places last season. They now face Real Oviedo, who are very close to relegation to the Segunda División. The hosts have a good opportunity to pick up points against a weak opponent.
Rayo Vallecano
After three consecutive defeats, the hosts have collected five points from three rounds against clubs from the top half of the standings. They beat Atlético Madrid 3:0 and drew 1:1 twice with Real Betis and Atlético Madrid. In Madrid, Rayo Vallecano are particularly confident: half of their league goals this season have come at home (12 of 23), and they have conceded only 10 there, with only Real Madrid and Barcelona performing better. Their compact defence allows them to take points even against the top sides in LaLiga, as shown by draws with Real Madrid and Barcelona and the win over Atlético Madrid.
Real Oviedo
The visitors have been very poor, with only three wins all season. Their main problem is a weak defence: over 25 rounds they have conceded 40 goals (the fifth-worst record in LaLiga), and 26 of those have come away from home. In attack they look ineffective as well, with only 16 goals scored (the worst record in the league). Even in the first meeting between the sides they failed to score, and the match finished 0:0 with a sending-off for each team.
Rayo Vallecano vs Real Oviedo Prediction
We expect a low-scoring match in which the hosts will take points. The visitors are in very poor form and are unlikely to offer any surprises.
