On March 1st, 2025, Rayo Vallecano is gearing up to face Sevilla at home in Vallecas as part of LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 26. The clash is crucial for the Madrid-based team as they aim to return to winning ways and solidify their position in the European qualification spots against Sevilla, who are eager to secure three points to enter the battle for a top-seven finish in the league.
Having suffered back-to-back defeats against Barcelona and Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano, led by manager Iñigo Pérez, is still in a favorable position to achieve a historic European qualification by the end of the season. Despite their recent slip-ups, Rayo Vallecano's advantage over their pursuers has been dwindling in recent weeks. Therefore, a victory against Sevilla is paramount for them to claim the sixth spot in the standings.
However, Rayo Vallecano will have to overcome significant hurdles, including key absences such as Sergio Camello, Isi Palazón, and the suspension of Jorge de Frutos. Additionally, there is a historical trend working against them as they have not defeated Sevilla at home since 2012, having lost four times and drawn on four occasions since then.
Sevilla, on the other hand, despite missing out on a valuable opportunity to break into the top six in the previous round against Mallorca, is only three points behind their upcoming opponents. A victory would propel them above Rayo Vallecano in the standings, and their hopes rest on the in-form wings Dodi Lukebakio and Rubén Vargas, who will support Isaac Romero in the attacking trio.
In another fixture in LaLiga EA Sports, RC Celta welcomes Girona to ABANCA Balaídos on the same day. Both teams are tied on 32 points in the table and will be looking to secure a crucial win that could propel them into contention for European competition berths.
RC Celta comes into the match on a poor run of form, having suffered three consecutive defeats and only managing to gather three points from the last 18 available. In contrast, Girona has been in a positive spell, collecting seven points from the last nine and losing just one of their past five league matches. This upturn has allowed them to widen the gap from the relegation zone to eight points and move within three points of the sixth spot.
However, RC Celta's Achilles' heel remains their away form, as they have not won on the road in the league since October 5th. This presents an opportunity for Girona, who have a chance to secure their second away victory of the campaign, especially considering Girona's struggles at home, having lost five of their last seven matches at Montilivi across all competitions.
In terms of team news, RC Celta will be without Abel Ruiz, while Girona welcomes back Hugo Álvarez after a knee concern. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Yangel Herrera expected to return for RC Celta, while Arthur Melo anchors Girona's midfield alongside him.
As the LaLiga EA Sports action unfolds, teams are fiercely competing for positions in European competitions, with every match having significant consequences on the final standings. Stay tuned for an exciting weekend of football as clubs battle it out for crucial points and coveted positions in the league table.