+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Karim Benzema Real Madrid 2018-19Getty Images

Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid Betting Tips: Latest odds, team news, previews and predictions

Real Madrid play their third local derby in the last two weeks with Zinedine Zidane's making the short trip to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening.

Los Blancos' previous two away games at Leganes and Getafe have both brought draws, and they head to the Estadio Vallecas in search of their first away win since March 10.

Rayo meanwhile are bottom of the table, and their 5-0 defeat at Sevilla on Thursday left them seven points from safety.

Latest odds

Rayo have not won at home against their most illustrious neighbours since 1997 but SportPesa offer them at 21/4 (6.25) to claim three points on Sunday. The visitors can be backed at 4/9 (1.44) with the draw available at 15/4 (4.75).

Rayo Vallecano celebrate 2018-19

Team news

Rayo are missing their top scorer Raul De Tomas, with the 14-goal striker not eligible to play against his parent club.

Madrid could give some minutes to teenager Vinicius Jr., who has been out for nearly two months, while Sergio Ramos will be assessed having been out for the last two weeks with a calf injury. There could be a return for Thibaut Courtois in goal.

Preview

Letting in five goals in midweek means that Rayo now have the leakiest defence in the Primera Division, conceding 62 times in 34 games.

The inability to defend has been particularly costly, given that the side from Vallecas have taken the lead an impressive 15 times in La Liga this season but only managed to win seven games.

Rayo Vallecano Real Madrid graphic

Indeed, if matches lasted only 45 minutes, Rayo would be pushing for a European place instead of staring down the barrel of relegation. No team has conceded more second half goals than Rayo this season.

Madrid, meanwhile, have been much better in the second halves of their recent matches, with Los Blancos failing to score in the opening 45 minutes of their last five encounters. 

Tips and predictions

The hosts' leaky defence and tendency to fall apart in the second half, coupled with Madrid's lack of early firepower in recent games means backing the second half to be the highest scoring half at 5/6 (1.83) looks a strong selection. 

Betting Banner - Best BetSecond half to be highest scoring half at 5/6 (1.83) for a 2pt stake with SportPesaSportPesa Footer Update £50 free betSportPesa
Advertisement

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting