Rayo Vallecano will be aiming to book their spot in the last-16 stage of the Copa del Rey when they take on Segunda Division outfit Racing Club de Ferrol on Friday night.
The visitors have beaten Villamuriel and Unionistas de Salamanca in the early stages of this season's competition, while Racing Ferrol have overcome Cuarte and Barakaldo to secure their spot in the round of 32.
Match preview
Racing Ferrol entered the winter break in Spain off the back of successive defeats to Almeria and Real Zaragoza, with the results seeing them drop to 20th spot in the Segunda Division table.
Cristobal Parralo's side have only picked up 18 points from their 21 league matches this season, and they are facing relegation to the third tier unless their form improves, with just three victories coming in Spain's second tier in 2024-25.
The Green Devils secured promotion from the third tier in 2022-23 and finished 10th in the Segunda Division last term, in addition to reaching the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey, but they are bidding to go one better here.
Racing Ferrol reached the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey during the 1969-70 campaign, and they have had to win twice to advance to this stage of the 2024-25 Copa del Rey, beating Cuarte 3-1 and Barakaldo 2-1 on their travels.
Rayo, meanwhile, have also played twice in this season's competition, beating Villamuriel and Unionistas de Salamanca, and the team have actually been victorious in five of their last six matches in the cup.
Inigo Perez's side have drawn their last three matches, including a 3-3 with Real Madrid on December 14, and they currently sit 12th in the La Liga table, boasting 22 points from their first 18 matches.
Los Franjirrojos finished 17th in La Liga last term, so there is plenty of room for improvement during the 2024-25 campaign, while they are chasing their first-ever success in the Copa del Rey.
Rayo actually reached the semi-finals of the 2021-22 competition, which is their best performance in the Spanish Cup, but they were present in the round of 16 last term.
Perez's team are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions on their travels, including 1-1 draws with Villarreal and Real Betis in Spain's top flight.
Team News
Racing Ferrol have Bebe in their ranks, with the 34-year-old, who famously represented Manchester United, joining the second-tier outfit from Rayo last year, and he is set to be in the starting side.
Head coach Parralo could name the same side that took to the field for the first whistle against Barakaldo in the competition last time out, with Chiki set to lead the line for the hosts.
There should also be a role in the final third of the field for Aitor Gelardo.
As for Rayo, Raul de Tomas, Alvaro Garcia and Pelayo Fernandez will miss the contest on Friday night.
Head coach Perez will make changes to his usual XI, with a number of squad players expected to be given opportunities to impress, including Sergio Camello and Sergi Guardiola.
James Rodriguez is also likely to be among the starters; the 33-year-old provided an assist in his last appearance in the Copa del Rey against Unionistas de Salamanca and is expected to be in the XI on Friday night.
Racing Club de Ferrol possible starting lineup:
Rodriguez; Delmas, Puric, Naldo, Castro; Gelardo, Vallejo, Perea, Lopez, Bebe; Chiki
Rayo Vallecano possible starting lineup:
Cardenas; Balliu, A Hernandez, Mumin, Espino; Rodriguez, Diaz, Gumbau, Trejo, Camello; Guardiola
We say: Racing Club de Ferrol 0-2 Rayo Vallecano
Racing Ferrol are capable of making this a tricky match for Rayo; we are not expecting many goals, but the visitors will be able to call upon the superior quality, and we are backing the La Liga side to book their spot in the next round of the competition.
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