Preview: Granada vs Rayo Vallecano – predictions, team news, lineups

La Liga side Rayo Vallecano travel to the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes for Tuesday’s Copa del Rey clash against second division Granada.

This tie will be the last match of the round of 16 after being pushed back from its original December date due to Rayo’s involvement in the Conference League.

Match Preview

Granada is trying to reach the knockout stages of the Copa del Rey for the first time since reaching the quarterfinals in 2020-21.

They began their current Copa del Rey journey with a resounding 5-1 success over Roda, before edging past Tenerife via a 1-0 scoreline in the second round.

Unfortunately for Granada boss Pacheta, his side have gone four matches without a win since their victory over Tenerife, including a 3-2 defeat in Saturday’s away clash against fellow Andalusians Almeria.

Having picked up 21 points from 20 league matches, the Nazaries are languishing in the bottom four with one point separating them from safety, putting them at risk of falling outside the top two tiers of Spanish football since 2009-10.

As a result, ensuring survival will be Granada’s main priority, although they have the opportunity to boost their confidence in Tuesday’s Copa del Rey match, with the hosts looking to beat Rayo for the first time since their 2-0 away win in December 2013.

The Nazaries have proven to be a difficult team to beat at home, having won two and drawn five in their last seven matches at Nuevo Los Carmenes.

Rayo currently compete in three competitions, with Los Franjirrojos balancing their first European campaign since 2000-01 alongside domestic duties in the league and Copa del Rey.

Inigo Perez’s side secured a 3-0 victory over Drita in their final Conference League match of the league stage before Christmas, securing them sixth place and direct progression to the last 16.

They also have the opportunity to reach the knockout stages of the Copa del Rey after beating CD Yuncos 6-1 before surviving a major second-round scare against fourth-division side Real Avila.

Isi Palazon equalized in the 94th minute to keep his team in the competition, before Alvaro Garcia scored the winner in extra time to keep Rayo’s dream of winning the Copa del Rey alive for the first time in their history.

Although they have enjoyed success in Europe and the cup, Rayo have gone eight league matches without a win after being denied all three points by a late Getafe equalizer in Friday’s clash at the Estadio de Vallecas, leaving them in 14th place and just three points from danger.

Rayo’s current focus will be on securing their place in Wednesday’s round of 16, and they should fancy themselves chances of beating Granada after winning nine of their previous 11 competitive head-to-heads (D2).

Granada Copa del Rey form:

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Grenada form (all competitions):

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Rayo Vallecano Copa del Rey form:

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Rayo Vallecano form (all competitions):

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Team News

© Imago / Alberto Gardín

Granada defender Baila Diallo is unlikely to feature after his injury absence in the defeat to Almeria, while Pau Casadesus is another fitness concern after being sent off in the second half on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane remains unavailable for selection, with the 27-year-old currently representing Algeria in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Oscar Naasei will at least be available for selection after serving a one-match suspension for accumulating yellow cards.

As for the high-profile visitors, they will likely be without Luiz Felipe, Abdul Mumin, Ivan Balliu and Alemao due to injuries.

Pathé Ciss is still in Morocco with the Senegal national team, which recently qualified for the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations.

Perez is likely to make changes for the tie, with Nobel Mendy, Pedro Diaz, Oscar Trejo and Fran Perez among those who could move into the starting lineup.

Granada possible starting lineup:

Astralaga; Sola, Naasei, Williams, Hormigo; Trigueros, Alcaraz, Arnaiz; Saenz, Rodelas, Pascual

Rayo Vallecano possible starting lineup:

Cardin; Rattif, Mendy, Mot, Pacha; Diaz, Gumbau; Of Fruits, Trejo, Pérez; Callo

We say: Granada 1-2 Rayo Vallecano

As a first division team, Rayo enter the match as favorites despite being the away team, and having won nine of their last 11 games against Granada, we believe they will do enough to negotiate Tuesday’s draw.

For data analysis of most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match, please click here.