The La Liga Matchday 1 encounter 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 only in 16th place, edging out the nearest relegation zone rival by just one point. Michel Sanchez's side lost exactly half of their matches in La Liga 2024/25 (only relegated Las Palmas and Valladolid had more losses). Additionally, Girona conceded 60 goals, the third-worst defensive record in the league. Notably, the season before, the club finished in a high 3rd place, earning a debut in European competitions. Their poor results were not only due to their Champions League commitments but also the loss of almost all their key players before the start of last season.
During the offseason, the club did not make any significant acquisitions. The only notable addition was the loan of midfielder Thomas Lemar from Atletico.
- In their last 16 league matches, the Catalans have secured only 2 victories (4 draws and 10 losses).
- Girona has not won in 7 of their last 8 home matches in La Liga (2 draws and 5 losses).
- The team has not scored more than 1 goal in their last 6 home games in La Liga.
Predicted 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 – Cristhian Stuani.
Rayo Vallecano
The Madrid side has been playing continuously in La Liga since 2021. During this period, the team has finished in the lower half of the table three times, but last season they achieved a high 8th place, which allows them to participate in the Conference League. The team secured a European spot thanks to a five-match unbeaten streak at the end of the season (3 wins and 2 draws). Rayo Vallecano was the sixth-best team in the league in away games. They also conceded only 19 goals on the road, 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 only addition was defender Luis Felipe from Marseille (free agent).
- The team has not won in 11 of their last 15 La Liga matches (5 draws and 6 losses).
- At least two goals have been scored in 10 of Rayo Vallecano's last 13 La Liga matches.
- The Madrid side has scored in 10 of their last 12 away matches in La Liga.
Predicted 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%.
Girona vs. Rayo Vallecano: Match Prediction
In the upcoming match, we can expect both teams to score. Both teams had roughly equal attacking stats last season, averaging just over 1 goal per match. Both sides also had defensive issues, especially Girona, who conceded 30 goals in 19 home matches in La Liga 2024/25. However, Michel Sanchez's team often found the net at Montilivi, averaging 1.4 goals per game.
The Madrid side almost regularly scored on the road – in their last 12 away matches in La Liga, they failed to score only against Atletico and Barcelona. Given Girona's defensive issues, Rayo Vallecano is likely to score, but Girona is also expected to find the net, as they have consistently done in their first home match at Montilivi over the last three seasons, scoring at least three goals.
My prediction – Both teams to score – yes
