Our prediction for this Primera Division match:
Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol face each other at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas in what is expected to be one of the most exciting games of Sunday’s program. Los Vallecanos have been performing above all expectations this term, with the team sitting in the Conference League berth ahead of the visit of Espanyol. Pathe Ciss and Martin Merquelanz should be the only absentees in the home team. You should know that Rayo are eyeing their seventh home win of the process.
Los Periquitos, on the other hand, continue with their habit of producing much better showings at home than on the travels. Espanyol did well to beat Real Sociedad in Barcelona at the weekend, but given their seven-game winless run on the road, home win should be considered. As for the away team, Oscar Gil should be the only absentee.
Highlighted Player (Stole Dimitrievski):
Born in Kumanovo, North Macedonia, Stole Dimitrievski is a 190-cm-tall goalkeeper who plays for Segunda Division side Rayo Vallecano. Dimitrievski started his senior career at Rabotnicki, but he made no more than 18 appearances for the Macedonian outfit in the national championship. In the summer of 2012 he decided to move to Spain, signing a deal with Granada.
The towering shot-stopper made 90 appearances for Granada B, while playing no more than one game for the senior team. Following his spells with Gimnastic, Stole Dimitrievski moved to Rayo Vallecano. The Macedonian goalkeeper made his Rayo debut in La Liga in a 2-2 draw with Villarreal on November 11, 2018, while keeping his first clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Eibar later that month.
His preferred foot is right, and his contract with Rayo Vallecano should expire on June 30, 2024. Speaking of his international career, Dimitrievski made his full debut with the North Macedonia national team on November 12, 2015 in a 4-1 win over Montenegro.
Highlighted Team (Espanyol):
Espanyol are a Catalan club that plays in Spanish La Liga. Espanyol were founded in 1900 and their original name was Sociedad Espanola de Football. In 1901 the Catalan club changed its name to Club Espanol de Futbol. Los Periquitos used to play in bright yellow shirts in the past, but current colour of the team’s home kit is blue and white.
Espanyol’s fiercest rivals are Barcelona and the two teams face each other in the Catalan derby (Derbi barceloni). Espanyol have always been in Barca’s shadow, but it has to be noted that los Periquitos have won four Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup trophies).
The likes of Raul Tamudo, Jose Maria, Antonio Argiles and Mauricio Pochettino are players with most appearances for the Catalan outfit. Espanyol play their home games at Estadio Cornella-El Prat and the capacity of the stadium is 40,500. Los Periquitos have never participated in the Champions League.