Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano: Spanish Cup match prediction
In the 1/8 finals of the Spanish Cup on January 16, Real Sociedad will play against Rayo Vallecano. Do the guests have a chance in the match against the traditional cup favorite? What are the best bets and predictions for the game? Our experts have carefully studied the latest trends and tried to select the best betting options

Command Analysis

Real Sociedad

Current form
Real Sociedad are approaching the Copa del Rey match against Rayo Vallecano in good shape. In La Liga, after 19 rounds, the team has 28 points and is in seventh place. In the last game period, they demonstrated a good game, beating Villarreal (1:0), which added confidence to the players and coaching staff.
In the last round of the Spanish Cup, the Basques won a confident victory over Ponferradina (2:0) away, which allowed them to continue the fight in the tournament. The team continues to develop its game, despite certain difficulties at the beginning of the season. The main blow came during the winter break, when the club faced uncertainty regarding the contract of head coach Imanol Alguacil. However, Real Sociedad managed to regain its form and is returning to victories.
Disqualifications and injuries
Real Sociedad will be without Traore (knee injury) and Zubeldia (yellow card accumulation) for the upcoming match. Mikel Oyarzabal is also expected to be in doubt and will be assessed ahead of the match.
Interesting trends for betting
- Real Sociedad have kept clean sheets in three of their last five matches.
- At home, the team scores an average of 1.8 goals per match.
- Real Sociedad have scored first in four of their last six home games.
- The Basques have scored at least twice in their last four meetings with Rayo Vallecano.
Probable lineup: Remiro - Traore, Le Normand, Zubimendi, Tierney - Marin, Merino, Kubo, Mendes - Oyarzabal, Sadiku

Rayo Vallecano

Current form
Rayo Vallecano continue their successful performance in the 2024/2025 season and are approaching the Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad in excellent form. In the last round of the tournament, the team won against Ferrol (2:1), which secured them a place in the next stage. In La Liga, Rayo is also showing stability, having collected 25 points after 19 rounds and is in ninth position.
After beating Celta (2:1), the team is unbeaten in seven matches in a row in all competitions, which gives confidence to the players. Coach Iñigo Pérez continues to work on improving the team play, focusing on both attack and defense. Rayo are preparing for a tough encounter with Real Sociedad, aiming to improve their results in away matches in the Spanish Cup.
Disqualifications and injuries
Garcia (ankle injury) and Balu (muscle injury) will be missing for Rayo Vallecano in the upcoming match. Both players are important for the team, but the coaching staff is confident that they will be able to offer quality replacements in these positions.
Interesting trends for betting
- Rayo Vallecano have scored in each of their last five competitive matches, highlighting the good form of their attacking players.
- The team has consistently conceded in its last three Copa del Rey matches, indicating possible problems in defence.
- Rayo have lost just one of their last four away games, showing their ability to cope with away games.
- In their last four matches against Real Sociedad, Rayo have scored in three cases.
Probable lineup: Cardenas - Lejeune, Ratiu, Mumin, Chevaria - Ciss, Lopez, Embarba, Trejo - Nteko, Rodriguez
Trends
Bet Exact score 2:0
Four of the last six head-to-head matches have seen this score
6.50Bet Goals in both halves – yes
In 3 of Rayo Vallecano last 5 matches, goals were scored in both halves
1.82Bet Corners: total over 9.5
In 3 of the last 5 matches of the hosts such a bet took place
1.90Bet Number 0 in the score
In three of the last six matches this bet has played out
1.65Tip and bets
The upcoming Copa del Rey match between Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano can be expected to be a closed game with a low number of goals. Both teams have shown some stability in defense in recent weeks. Real Sociedad have shown improvement in defense in recent home games, keeping three clean sheets in five games. This shows that the team is capable of organizing a solid defense, especially at home. On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano also tends to have low-scoring games in the Copa del Rey, conceding in recent games but not having a high scoring record.
Their defensive play has also stabilized and they are keen to avoid making mistakes in important games such as this one. Combined with the general style of play of both teams, it can be expected that both will be cautious in attack to minimise risks. Head-to-head matches between these teams are also often low scoring, as the statistics of recent meetings confirm. Given the current form and style of play of both sides, it is unlikely that the match will end with more than two goals.
Our prediction is under 2.5 goals. We bet on this outcome with a coefficient of 1.85
Bet on the outcome
The Copa del Rey match between Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano has every chance of ending in a victory for the hosts with an Asian handicap (-1). Real Sociedad are in good form at home, having won their last five home matches in a row. The team has shown stability and improvements in defense, which gives them an advantage in the game against Rayo Vallecano, who do not always perform well on the road.
Rayo Vallecano have shown good results recently, but their away game is often accompanied by difficulties, especially against stronger opponents. The team has several away defeats against strong clubs this season, and they may face additional pressure on the pitch of Real Sociedad. Given the strong play of Real Sociedad at home and certain problems of Rayo in away matches, the prediction of a victory of the hosts with an Asian handicap (-1) looks realistic.
Betting Tip - Asian handicap (-1) on Real Sociedad and we bet on it with odds of 2.28
Bet on corners
Both teams use the flanks extensively in attack, which leads to a large number of corners. Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano often take corners to create dangerous moments, especially in games against evenly matched opponents. We are expected to see a lot of set pieces in this match, as both teams will be looking to be as active in attack as possible.
Betting Tip - total corners over 9.5 with odds of 2.10