Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Game Preview, Live Stream, odds, picks and predictions

Real Betis: Priority on Copa del Rey

As I mentioned before, Real Betis could still win three titles. However, there’s no doubt that Los Verdiblancos’ main priority is to win the Copa del Rey. Yes, it’s also the most feasible.

Last weekend, they lost 2-1 to Sevilla in La Liga, but several starters didn’t play, including Andres Guardado, Aitor Rubial and William Jose. All three had a lot to do with the team advancing to the Copa del Rey semifinals.

Real Betis eliminated CFI Alicante (4-0), Talavera (4-2), Valladolid (3-0), Sevilla (2-1) and Real Sociedad (4-0). No other team in this stage scored more goals than them. Borja Iglesias is the team’s top scorer in the Copa del Rey with three goals. He’s followed by Joaquin Sanchez, William Carvalho, Diego Lainez and Juanmi Jimenez, each with two goals.

That means Jimenez coming back is very good news. The striker missed several games due to injury. Nabil Fekir is questionable, but he told the press that he wants and will do everything possible to play.

Los Verdiblancos dominate the soccer odds thanks to a -135 price. If you ask me, that’s a pretty good deal. Especially at Estadio Benito Villamarin, where they only lost three of their last 10 games.

Real Betis’ projected lineup: Rui Silva; Youssouf Sabaly, Marc Bartra, Victor Ruiz, Alexandre Moreno; Guido Rodriguez, Andres Guardado, Aitor Rubial, Sergio Canales, Juanmi Jimenez; Borja Iglesias.

Go Big or Go Home for Rayo Vallecano

Regarding La Liga, Rayo Vallecano had a very good first half of the season, Nevertheless, the second one has been a catastrophe. Los Franjirrojos haven’t won in their last seven games, making them lose their place in the top 10.

Things have been completely different in the Copa del Rey. Rayo Vallecano eliminated Guijuelo (4-3 in penalties), Bergantinos (3-1), Mirandes (1-0), Girona (2-1) and Mallorca (1-0). Sergi Guardiola leads the way with two goals, but don’t forget that Rayo’s roster also includes Radamel Falcao. The Colombian’s experience and effectiveness can weigh a lot in this type of match.

Despite recent results, we’re talking about a well-balanced, resilient team. Last weekend, Rayo made Real Madrid suffer. Los Blancos managed to win 1-0 on a goal from Karim Benzema in the last minutes of the game.

Los Franjirrojos are offering a +355 price. If you include them in your soccer picks with a $100 bet, the payout would be $455 if they manage to pull off the upset.

No major injuries to report here. Rayo Vallecano’s projected lineup: Stole Dimitrievski; Ivan Balliu, Esteban Saveljich, Alejandro Catena, Fran Garcia; Santi Comesana, Oscar Luengo, Isi Palazon, Oscar Trejo, Alvaro Garcia; Radamel Falcao.

Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Head to Head

• Previous Matches: 46
• Real Betis Victories: 21 (74 goals)
• Rayo Vallecano Victories: 11 (51 goals)
• Draws: 14

Rayo Vallecano opened the scoring in the first leg only minutes into the game, but Real Betis reacted fast. Los Verdiblancos evened the score prior to the 30-minute mark. The winning goal came in the second half. Curiously enough, the home side won possession with 53 percent and made more shots on target.

In La Liga, they already met twice. Real Betis won the first game 3-2 while the second finished 1-1. If there’s something you can expect from these two, it’s goals.

 Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Game Information

• Date: Thursday
• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Benito Villamarin, Seville
• Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Live Stream: fuboTV

 Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Betting Lines

Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction

It’s the semifinals so both have to go all-in.

Real Betis is well known for its power when attacking. Basically, the only thing its opponents can do is choose the poison they want to drink.

On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano is one of the best teams playing on the counter-attack. I’m telling you, don’t sleep on Falcao. He’s the reason why Atletico Madrid won several titles between 2011 and 2013.

Make sure you tune in because it’s going to be a goal-fest. That’s why my football prediction includes Real Betis winning and the total going over.

Score Prediction: Real Betis 3, Rayo Vallecano 2

Pick: Over 2½ goals (-135)