DomainJava.com – Racing Ferrol vs Rayo Vallecano prediction in the Copa Del Rey match, Rayo Vallecano will try to secure their place in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey when they face Segunda Division team Racing Club de Ferrol on Friday night.
The visitors have beaten Villamuriel and Unionistas de Salamanca in the early stages of this season’s competition, while Racing Ferrol have overcome Cuarte and Barakaldo to book their place in the last 32.
Racing Ferrol enters the winter break in Spain after back-to-back defeats to Almeria and Real Zaragoza, with results that saw them drop to 20th place in the Segunda Division table.
Cristobal Parralo’s men have collected just 18 points from their 21 league games this season, and they face relegation to the third division unless their form improves, with just three wins coming in the Spanish second division in 2024-25.
The Green Devils secured promotion from the third tier in 2022-23 and finished 10th in the Segunda Division last season, in addition to reaching the last 32 of the Copa del Rey, but they are looking to go one better here.
Racing Ferrol reached the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey during the 1969-70 season, and they had to win twice to advance to this stage of the 2024-25 Copa del Rey, beating Cuarte 3-1 and Barakaldo 2-1 on their way.
Rayo, meanwhile, have also played twice in the competition this season, beating Villamuriel and Unionistas de Salamanca, and the team have actually picked up wins in five of their last six matches in the cup.
Inigo Perez’s side have drawn their last three games, including a 3-3 draw with Real Madrid on December 14, and they currently sit 12th in the La Liga standings, picking up 22 points from their first 18 games.
Los Franjirrojos finished 17th in La Liga last season, so there is plenty of room for improvement during the 2024-25 season, while chasing their first Copa del Rey success.
Rayo actually reached the semi-finals of the 2021-22 competition which was their best performance in the Spanish Cup, but they were present in the last 16 last season.
Perez’s side are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions on their trip, including 1-1 draws with Villarreal and Real Betis in the Spanish top flight.
Racing Ferrol have Bebe in their squad, with the 34-year-old, who famously represented Manchester United, joining the second-tier side from Rayo last year, and he is ready to start.
Head coach Parralo can name the same team that took to the pitch to blow the first whistle against Barakaldo in the competition last time out, with Chiki set to lead the home front.
There should also be a role in the final third for Aitor Gelardo.
As for Rayo, Raul de Tomas, Alvaro Garcia and Pelayo Fernandez will miss the contest on Friday night.
Head coach Perez will make changes to his usual line-up, with a number of squad players expected to be given the chance to impress, including Sergio Camello and Sergi Guardiola.
James Rodriguez is also likely to be one of the starters; The 33-year-old provided an assist in his last Copa del Rey appearance against Unionistas de Salamanca and is expected to be in the XI on Friday night.
(source: Sportsmole)
Racing Ferrol vs Rayo Vallecano Player Predictions
Racing Ferrol: Rodriguez; Delmas, Puric, Naldo, Castro; Gelardo, Vallejo, Perea, Lopez, Bebe; Chiki
Rayo Vallecano: Cardenas; Balliu, A Hernandez, Mumin, Espino; Rodriguez, Diaz, Gumbau, Trejo, Camello; Guardiola
Racing Ferrol vs Rayo Vallecano Score Prediction: 1-2
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