Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano: Spanish Championship Match Prediction
Real Sociedad kick off the new season at their home stadium in San Sebastian. What are the Blues' chances in the August 18 clash against Rayo Vallecano? Both meetings last year ended in a draw, but there are changes in the lineups. Our experts have assessed the teams' chances and prepared the best bets on the game. All the answers are in this article

Command Analysis

Real Sociedad

Current form
Real Sociedad finished in the top six for the fourth consecutive season in 2023/24, securing a place in Europe this year. The Basques are preparing for the season under the second-longest-serving manager in La Liga, Imanol Alguacil. It was Imanol who convinced Martin Zubimendi to stay at the club despite lucrative offers from Liverpool, although the sale of centre-back Robin Le Normand, coupled with a number of signings, has given the team a fresh look.
Disqualifications and injuries
Zakharyan (ankle injury), Munoz (knee injury), Odriozola (ankle injury) and Zubeldia (muscle injury) will not be able to play today.
Interesting trends for betting
- The Basques have failed to win four of their last five La Liga opening matches
- Real Sociedad are unbeaten in their last 11 league games against Rayo Vallecano
- Three of the last 11 head-to-head meetings ended with a score of 2:2
Probable line-up : Remiro - Traore, Elustondo, Martin, Lopez - Marin, Gonzalez, Mendez, Barrent - Becker.

Rayo Vallecano

Current form
Rayo Vallecano start under the management of Iñigo Pérez, who has been with the team for only six months. The coach has 14 appearances in 14 games, which allowed him to finish just one place above the relegation zone last season. Such a schedule could put the team at risk of relegation, putting the coach under serious pressure, because everyone is expecting the “giants” to improve their results in the year of the team’s centenary. However, Rayo are already in their fourth year in La Liga, but the fans are worried about the transfer window, which was limited by loans and free signings.
Disqualifications and injuries
Out of the game are de Tomas (injury) and Mendes (injury).
Interesting trends for betting
- Rayo Vallecano have failed to score away from home for six games in a row
- Rayo Vallecano's Adrian Embarba has also scored more than 3.5 goals in seven of his last eight scoring games.
Probable line-up : Cardenas - Lejeune, Ratiu, Mumin, Chevaria - Ciss, Lopez, Embarba, Trejo - Nteko.
Trends
Bet Goals in both halves – yes
In the last three head-to-head matches, goals were scored in both halves
1.84Bet Exact score 3:1
Two of the last eight head-to-head matches ended with this score
19.55Bet Corners: Total Under 9.5
This betting option has taken place in 2 of Real Sociedad's last 4 matches
1.95Bet Number 3 in the final score
In three of the last six matches of the visitors such a bet took place
1.98Tip and bets
Today we are on the side of the defense line - both teams are starting the championship and will try not to make a mistake that could ultimately be fatal. In addition, both clubs have problems in creation, which they will try to compensate for with high-quality defense. In three of the last five face-to-face matches, more than two goals were not scored, which we do not rule out today.
Our prediction is total under 2.5 goals and we bet on it for 1.61
Bet on the outcome
We believe that the Basques look much stronger today, which they are quite capable of taking advantage of. In addition, Real Sociedad has the support of the stands, which will allow them to start confidently and get the important three starting points, and we expect a confident victory.
Betting Tip - Asian handicap (-1) on Real Sociedad for 2.15
Betting on yellow cards
The game is not of great importance and the players will not be on edge, but we expect a tough fight and plenty of fouls. Most likely, the referee will show a yellow card more than once to restore order and cool the players' ardor.
Betting Tip - total yellow cards over 4.5. This option can be found for 1.71