Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction & Betting Tips (14 January)

The upcoming Copa del Rey meeting between Alavés and Rayo Vallecano arrives with both sides navigating contrasting but equally demanding stretches of form. Rayo’s most notable recent headline came from their narrow league win over Alavés in late October, when a late header from Alexandre Alemão secured a 1–0 victory in VallecasSofascore+2. Although that match belonged to LaLiga rather than the cup, it has shaped much of the current narrative around these teams, especially with Rayo showing resilience in tight, low‑scoring encounters. Alavés, meanwhile, have been working to stabilize their performances, often relying on defensive structure to stay competitive in matches decided by fine margins.

Rayo Vallecano’s last couple of months have been marked by gritty performances, including the storm‑affected September clash between the same sides, where adverse weather conditions turned every pass into a battle and highlighted Rayo’s adaptability under pressureSocial Bites. Their recent fixtures have shown a team capable of controlling tempo and limiting opponents’ chances, even if goals have not flowed freely. The October win over Alavés remains their clearest example of late‑game persistence, with Alemão’s stoppage‑time goal reflecting their ability to stay dangerous until the final whistleSofascore+2. These patterns suggest a side comfortable in matches where patience and discipline matter more than attacking spectacle.

Alavés, for their part, have spent the past two months trying to convert competitive performances into consistent results. Their October meeting with Rayo demonstrated both their defensive solidity and their struggle to create decisive chances, as they held the match level until the final minutes before concedingSofascore+2. Recent league outings have followed a similar script, with Alavés often staying within reach but lacking the cutting edge needed to turn tight matches in their favor. Their substitutions and tactical adjustments in that October match, including late attacking changes, showed a willingness to push forward, but the execution has not always matched the intent.

With both teams entering this Copa del Rey tie carrying the imprint of recent low‑scoring, hard‑fought matches, the tactical tone seems likely to follow a similar path. Rayo’s controlled approach and Alavés’ defensive organization point toward a contest defined by caution rather than risk, especially in a knockout setting where a single mistake can decide everything. Considering their recent head‑to‑head history, the scarcity of clear chances, and the overall rhythm of their past two months, a 0:0 correct score prediction appears entirely plausible and aligns with the trajectory both sides have shown leading into this fixture.