Betis and Rayo Vallecano approach their head-to-head meeting with a difference in class and tournament motivation. The hosts are in 5th place (41 points) and are fighting for a Champions League spot. They are on a great run: four wins in their last five La Liga matches with an aggregate score of 8-4, including a 1-0 away win over Atlético Madrid.
Rayo Vallecano is at risk (17th place, 25 points) and is fighting for survival. The team is extremely inconsistent: before a stunning 3-0 win over Atlético Madrid, they suffered 3-0 defeats to Celta Vigo and 3-1 defeats to Osasuna. The visitors have conceded at least twice in four of their last five matches. Rayo's attack is one of the worst in the league (21 goals in 23 matches).
The first-leg match ended in a goalless draw. We don't expect many goals today either, as Betis have a busy schedule with UEFA Europa League matches still to come. The hosts look like favorites, but they can't afford to play at their leisure right now, so we expect them to play a reserved style. The visitors will certainly not play aggressively to maintain at least a chance of a draw.
