Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano preview - Mel upbeat despite losing streak

Posted Sunday, October 23, 2011 by PA

Real Betis coach Pepe Mel remains positive despite a three-game losing run ahead of their Primera Division clash with his former club Rayo Vallecano.

Betis won their first four games after returning to the top flight but have lost to Getafe, Levante and 4-1 to Real Madrid since then.

But Mel told the club's official website: "It is true we have had a three-game losing streak and we want to win, but against Getafe and Levante we could have drawn. Losing to Real Madrid was to be expected but I'm satisfied."

Mel is hoping familiarity is to his side's advantage this weekend, particularly after Betis won last season's equivalent fixture in the Segunda Division 4-0.

"It is always different when you play against a team against which you have played before. You learn from that for the next game," he said.

"In Granada this year the game was completely different. Last year we had a good result against Rayo and we hope the three points will stay here again, but it will be a different game."

Rayo goalkeeper Dani is also banking on prior knowledge of the opposition, and told his club's official website: "We know Betis, we know many of their players and the coach and we know what Betis' strengths are.

"They are having a great start to the league and are strong on their own ground, but we need the three points.

"We have to go without anxiety, to play our part and try to recover our game and forget about the stumble at home the other day (a 1-0 defeat to Espanyol).

"We believe it is a key game for us because the results that we have had in recent weeks have not been good.

"It is an away game but against a newly-promoted side like us it is a good opportunity to get three points, to have a little cushion and breathing space for a week.

"Our goal is to survive and today we are not in the relegation zone."

Rayo left-back Raul Bravo trained separately from the squad yesterday due to a muscular injury, while Betis have a full squad to call upon.