Strasbourg enters this second leg needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first match in Madrid. While their domestic form has completely collapsed with three consecutive home defeats, their European performances at the Stade de la Meinau have been a different story.

The French side faced a nearly identical situation in the previous round against Mainz. After losing the away leg 2-0, they returned home and delivered a stunning 4-0 victory, proving they can handle the pressure of chasing a knockout tie.

Rayo Vallecano bring excellent overall form into this fixture, but their away record in Europe shows some cracks. They dropped the second leg of their previous tie 3-1 away to AEK Athens, showing they can be unsettled when defending a lead in a hostile environment.

With Strasbourg forced to attack from the outset, the match naturally leans toward an open, end-to-end rhythm. The hosts have conceded heavily in recent weeks, meaning Rayo’s dangerous transitional players will find plenty of space to exploit on the counter.

Strasbourg will have to manage without starting striker Emmanuel Emegha, which places a heavier creative burden on Julio Enciso and Diego Moreira. Despite the absence, the sheer necessity of scoring should ensure the home side commits numbers forward, accelerating the likelihood of goals.