Match for the 1st round of the La Liga, at Montilivi, home of Girona.
Match Facts
- 7 of the last 9 duels between Girona and Rayo ended with Over 2.5 Goals.
- Girona manager Michel is facing the team he’s most associated with. He started and ended his playing career with Rayo (1992-2003, 2006-2012) and started his managerial career there too, managing both the reserve team (2012-2017) and the first team (2017-2019).
Girona - Rayo Vallecano Betting Tip
Girona disappointed last season and in the transfer market. Rayo, on the other hand, has continuity and homogeneity as strengths, building off a very good season. Our pick is Rayo Vallecano DNB.
- Prediction: Rayo Vallecano DNB
- Odds: 2.10
- Stake: 5
Girona
Girona fell into dire straits near the end of a season that was affected by their debut participation in European competitions. Despite that, they were able to finish just above the relegation zone, thanks in large part to crucial goals by veteran forward Stuani. They had the third-worst defence in the La Liga (60 games conceded) and never found their groove.
Their European performances were regrettable as well, losing 7 of their 8 League Phase games in the Champions League. Successful manager Michel remains in charge, in his 5th season since 2021. The team has been modestly improved this summer, adding Atletico Madrid midfielder Lemar while loaning in defenders Rincon and Vitor Reis. Veteran midfielder Witsel is on the way as well.
At the same time, defensive stalwart Miguel Gutierrez is moving to Napoli, while key cogs Romeu (midfielder), Arthur (midfielder), Bryan Gil (winger) and Danjuma (winger) are returning to their respective teams after their loans.
A mixed bag in the preseason, losing their last game against Napoli (3-2). Useful rotation players Van de Beek and Abel Ruiz will be missing this one, just like the aforementioned Gutierrez, who’s on his way out.
Rayo Vallecano
Impressive run for Rayo last season as the team from Vallecas finished eighth, their best-ever La Liga finish (tied with Osasuna). They were also able to secure a ticket for European football, their second such achievement after the 2000-2001 season. Manager Inigo Perez has rightfully attracted much of the praise for this success.
Their frenetic run to end last season with no losses in their last 5 was key, and the goalless draw against Malaga in the last game was beneficial. In the Europa Conference League playoffs (August 21 and 28), they will face the winner of the clash between the Faroese Klaksvik and the Belarusian Neman Grodno.
Rayo secured dependable goalkeeper Batalla on a permanent transfer after his positive performances last season. They also added centre back Luiz Felipe and kept their main contributors. The largely positive preseason performances were capped off by a stylish 3-0 win over Sunderland on 10/8.
The only absence for this one will be starting centre back Mumin, who is in recovery from a serious injury suffered in March.
