Villarreal will be looking for their second LaLiga win in a row when they face Rayo (Sunday 4:15pm CEST)
Villarreal will play Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas this Sunday at 4:15pm CEST. After the defeat against Panathinaikos (2-0) on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa League group stage, Villarreal will try to strengthen their morale by seeking victory against Rayo Vallecano in what will be Matchday 6 of the league competition and Pacheta’s first away match as head coach of the Submarine.
After their 2-1 win over UD Almeria last time out, Villarreal will be looking for their second consecutive win in LaLiga when they face a team coached by Francisco Rodriguez, who beat Deportivo Alaves (2-0) in their last game and currently occupy sixth place in the European places with nine points, three more than Pacheta’s side.
Rayo vs Villarreal will undoubtedly be a special match for Santi Comesaña, who now plays for the Yellows, but who spent seven seasons with Rayo Vallecano. “It’s a game I’m really looking forward to because I’m playing against the team I’ve been with for many years and which gave me the opportunity to make the leap to professional football.” explained Comesaña to the club’s media.
Furthermore, on the match that awaits the team in Vallecas, he said: “It will be a match with a lot of pace. Rayo Vallecano, whether they play better or worse, are a tough team. The fans always push the team and they won’t stop running and pressing. It will be an uncomfortable game”.
Old Villarreal acquaintances also wear the Rayo Vallecano shirt today, such as Florian Lejeune, Isi Palazón and Martín Pascual, who came through the club’s youth ranks.
Rayo vs Villarreal means goals
Up to 13 goals have been scored in the last three meetings between the two sides at Vallecas. In the 2018/19 season, the Submarine took a point from their visit after a 2-2 draw; in the 2021/22 season, they won 5-1, while last season, they lost 2-1.
To the delight of the Yellows’ fans, the stadium suits Villarreal well, with five wins, three defeats and two draws in their 10 visits, scoring 21 goals and conceding 14.
Referees
Jorge Figueroa Vázquez will be the main referee for the match, with Eduardo Prieto Iglesias on VAR.
