Sociedad and Rayo meet at the point where pressure can become space behind the midfield. Santa Clara face a different problem, with their quick forwards confronting Gil Vicente's organised central cover. In each match, the quality of the next reception matters more than possession alone.
Ratiu and De Frutos give Rayo a working right-sided connection against the area Sociedad have recently struggled to protect. Sociedad have their own answer through wide delivery to Óskarsson, who scored from Barrenetxea's cross against Lyon. Rayo allowed Celta useful box entries even while keeping a clean sheet.
Sarr is unavailable after playing against Lyon, changing Sociedad's central pairing. Oyarzabal's reported illness leaves Óskarsson as an expected alternative, while Rayo lose García and Valentín but have Ciss reported back. The early press should test Sociedad's exits before the game opens around recycled attacks and advancing fullbacks. That's why I'm expecting goals in Sociedad against Rayo.
Gil's Esgaio and Buatu have already shown the central resistance that can make Santa Clara build patiently rather than repeatedly release Vinícius into open space. At the other end, Prioste can connect García and Murilo, with Walace receiving the delivery.
Espigares is reported available again, while Santa Clara's Romão and Tavares carry readiness concerns after injury-marked exits. The home side's latest clean sheet required repeated Neneca saves, and their recent settled creation has been modest. Selective opening attacks should give way to a contest over wide service and second balls. I'm siding with Gil Vicente to come away unbeaten.
