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Rayo always go all in

The visitors are still in danger and need to do well today following the slip against Granada

RCD Espanyol

Rayo had two extremely difficult away games the last two rounds, first in San Sebastian against Real Socieded and then at Vicente Calderon against Atletico. Getting three points from them like they did is a great success that enabled Rayo to stay mid-table. Surprisingly, they won most of their points this season in away games, which is why they see the home game with Deportivo as a perfect chance of improving the record home. 

- I want to see an ambitious team that is after the win as we take on Deportivo. We have games against Deportivo and Elche coming up that will say a bit more about our ambition. We are in quite a good situation now, it's neither participial good not particularly bad. That is why I mentioned ambition, I want us to get in the race for more until season's end. We should not be happy with the less demanding goals but rather be brave, play to win, and try and make more out of the season - coach Paco Jemez said.

Good news for Jemez is that forward Leo Baptistao is back after recovering from an injury but according to the media won't be in the lineup. Defender Tito is back too and Emiliano Insua can now play as well- Defender Quini will start today after missing the last game with a suspension.

Unlike Rayo, Deportivo had two home games the last 2 rounds and cannot be happy with the single point they managed to get from them. The defeat to Barcelona is not a tragedy but much more than a draw was expected from the Granada game. Instead, Deportivo are still in the danger zone.

- Visiting coach Fernandez is very appreciative of the home team:

- Barcelona and Real aside, I think that Rayo play the most attractive and technically superior football. They are fighting to avoid relegation but always go all in, which is a very positive trait. Paco Jemez doesn't know what it means to not do your best. They are one of the teams fighting to avoid relegation year after year but I think they're currently better than all the other teams fighting for the same thing. We know they will try and take initiative, which will make patience crucial in our attempts to score when in possession.

Offensive midfielder Luis Farina was sent off last round and won't be there today, just like forward Helder Postiga, who's been injured from before. Midfielder Celso Borges who recently joined from AIK on loan might have his debut today.