Bitesize Prediction: Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano – 03/03/22

Competition: Copa del Rey

Market: Real Betis win

Odds: 4/5 @ 888sport

Looking to book their spot in the final of this year’s Copa del Rey, Real Betis will welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Estadio Benito Villamarín for their second-leg meeting on Thursday night.

Starting with the hosts, eventually suffering a 2-1 defeat away at Sevilla last weekend, there is no doubt that Real Betis will be seeking an immediate response here. Claiming a 2-1 win when they faced off against Vallecano for their first-leg meeting last month, Head Coach Manuel Pellegrini should be smelling another golden chance here. Glad to make a return to the Estadio Benito Villamarín on Thursday night, the former West Ham boss does find his side in pole position to book a shock Champions League finish this season. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their last six matchups across all formats, Betis have also largely impressed with their rugged displays on home soil. It should be highlighted, Los Verdiblancos have lost just a pair of matchups in front of their own supporters since the start of November.

As for the visitors, last seen getting hit with a late 1-0 defeat at home against Spanish giants Real Madrid, Rayo Vallecano find themselves in the midst of a worrying run of form. Dropping out the top-half of the La Liga table, it appears that there could be some growing pressure on Andoni Iraola’s shoulders. Including a woeful 3-0 drumming at home against Osasuna on February 12th, Los Franjirrojos have lost each of their last five matchups across all formats. Showing a host of issues at both ends of the pitch, Thursday’s guests should be bracing themselves for a stern test at the Estadio Benito Villamarín here. Hit with a deserved 2-1 defeat when they faced off against Betis for their first-leg meeting last month, we’re backing a similar outcome in midweek.

Bet: Real Betis 4/5 to beat Rayo Vallecano in Thursday’s Copa del Rey second-leg @ 888sport