Rayo and Como can each control territory and press a visiting side's first pass. Their opponents also have routes beyond that pressure, with wide receivers and second deliveries that can keep the score close. Elche's compact shape and Sassuolo's response after conceding make the next completed attack more important than a simple count of entries. Both games turn on whether the home side can turn control into repeated clean finishes.
Rayo can advance through Ciss, Unai and De Frutos, while Elche can defend the centre and release Revivo, Niño or Valera once the first press is beaten. Elche's goalkeeper and back line held through heavy Villarreal pressure, and Rayo's large shot count against Getafe brought only one finish despite an early dismissal. Aguado is a current Elche absence, so the first exit may shift toward Villar or a longer ball; that role change is already part of this matchup. Rayo can spend long spells high up the pitch, but Elche have shown a second attacking route against a chasing side. That's why I'm siding with Elche.
Como can press the first Sassuolo pass and feed Paz and Douvikas near the box. Sassuolo have a direct release toward Berardi and Laurienté, and their recent chasing goals show that the first concession does not end their supply. Como's bigger wins included strong finishing and opposition errors, while its Fiorentina match also exposed repeat chances at the other end. Sassuolo come in with more recovery time; the uncertain personnel labels in the analysis do not carry this call, which rests on the attackers who have recently played. I expect Sassuolo's wide outlet and second delivery to keep the contest within reach, so I'm siding with Sassuolo.
