Celta de Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano Best odds and tips

Celta de Vigo are seventh in La Liga 2024-2025 with 49 points after 35 games, just two more than Rayo Vallecano in eighth with 47. Both clubs are in the mix for a potential European spot, so Sunday’s clash is a big one. Claudio Giraldez has done a fine job since taking over at Celta in March 2024, instilling a methodical, possession-based style of play and bringing some tactical discipline to a club that had been in disarray. Celta have won two and lost one of their last three home games, including a vital 3-2 victory over Sevilla just two days ago. They have only conceded an average of 1.06 goals per game at home this La Liga campaign, so they are tough to break down on their own patch.

Rayo Vallecano are in decent form, coming into this game on the back of a two-game winning streak, but they are winless in their last two trips to this ground, which may have an impact on their mindset. Iñigo Pérez has done a good job since taking over at Rayo in February, instilling a high-pressing, transition-heavy system that has got results on the road. They beat Las Palmas 1-0 only three days ago, but were also beaten 3-0 by Atletico Madrid two weeks ago. The difference between these two clubs could be that Celta have the better goalscorer in Borja Iglesias, who has scored 10 goals in 34 La Liga appearances this season. He has five in the last five games, during which Celta have scored 11. Rayo’s top scorer in La Liga is Alvaro Garcia, who has four goals in 33 appearances, but he has been crucial to their success in close games.

Celta are 1.87 favourites for this clash, which is about right, while Rayo are 4.43. The home side’s strength and Iglesias’ form should see them edge this one, but Rayo are in good form and fighting for European football so it could be close. Celta and Rayo have each won one and drawn three of their last five meetings in all competitions, so it is a closely-matched fixture. The tactical chess match between Celta’s measured build-up and Rayo’s direct, transition-based attacks should lead to a cagey, but explosive, clash. With Celta’s solid defensive record at home, under 2.5 goals looks a good option here.