Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano preview - Jemez issues rallying cry

Posted Wednesday, October 30, 2013 by PA

Rayo Vallecano coach Paco Jemez has called on his players to be "brave" when they travel to Osasuna for the Primera Division clash between two struggling sides on Wednesday.

The Madrid side suffered a setback in their last game, losing 3-0 at home to Real Valladolid in a game where they also created very few chances, managing just four shots on target, despite having 72 per cent of possession.

They face an Osasuna side who also enter the game on the back of a defeat, going down 2-1 at Sevilla in their last game.

However, the Navarrans have proved to be a different beast at home, and can boast of being the only team this season to have taken points off champions and current league leaders Barcelona.

"The only way to beat Osasuna is by playing good football and we aren't going to change our ways," declared Jemez in a press conference from Real Madrid's training ground, which Rayo are using while the pitch at their headquarters is re-laid.

"I've told my players that whatever happens, I want to see a brave Rayo, a Rayo that wants to win and doesn't speculate.

"Anything could happen but we have to be aggressive and bold from the start and demonstrate we want to win."

Defender Saul Niguez returns to the team after serving a one-game suspension after he was sent off in the 1-0 win over Almeria.

The return of the Atletico Madrid loanee is welcome news for Rayo, as centre-backs Leonel Galeano and Ze Castro are still recovering from injuries.

Mexican forward Nery Castillo will also miss the game, as he is out for up to a month with a hamstring problem.

Osasuna have similar injury problems. Former Rayo man Emiliano Armenteros is unavailable due to injury, along with Nino, and the suspended Damia Abella.

However, Raoul Loe returns following a month out with injury, as does Jon Echaide.

Osasuna are still in the relegation zone, two points behind Rayo.

Coach Javi Gracia insists he is not overly concerned with his side's predicament for now, but believes a win against Rayo would boost his team's morale.

"We know how important it is to get the points because we are up against a team that is also near the bottom of the table," he told reporters.

"Depending on how other results go, we could get out of the relegation zone if we win.

"It's not decisive at this stage, but it would stimulate us for our next games."