Rayo Vallecano vs. Alavés - News - December 18, 2021 | FOX Sports

Stole Dimitrievski - Keeps clean sheet in win Dimitrievski kept a clean sheet with four saves made during Saturday's 2-0 win over Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Dimitrievski has been one of the surprise stars as a member of Rayo's massively impressive first half of the season. He's recorded two clean sheets in his last three starts and ranks fourth in the league in saves made after his 18th game, so if he keeps up the pace in 2022, Dimitrievski is likely to be a reliable option. Up next is a trip to Atletico Madrid, which have plenty of attacking talent but struggled towards the end of the year.

DECEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Alejandro Catena - Gets goal in win Catena scored one goal from two shots (two on goal) during Saturday's 2-0 win over Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Catena has started all 18 matches this season and ranks eighth in the league in clearances made. He'll need to be careful after finishing the year with two yellow cards in his last four starts, but he's otherwise remained a steady presence in the defense. Up next is a trip to Atletico Madrid, which have scored 28 goals through their first 17 matches.

DECEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Oscar Trejo - Provides assist in win Trejo provided one assist from three chances created on six crosses (two accurate) during Saturday's 2-0 win over Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Trejo took back the league lead in assists on the back of a strong month with 20 total crosses in three matches. While taking advantage of the turmoil among bigger clubs, Trejo has been a key influence in Rayo's ascension this season and looks primed to remain so in 2022. Up next is a trip to Atletico Madrid, which have conceded the fewest crosses in the league to attacking midfielders.

DECEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Sergi Guardiola - Scores in win Sergi scored one goal from three shots (one on goal) during Saturday's 2-0 win over Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Sergi has started each of the last five matches and scored two goals, but what's just as much a positive is that he's taken six shots (two on goal) in his last two starts. Up next is a trip to Atletico Madrid, which have lost three straight matches but now have the holiday break to recover their strength.

DECEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Alvaro Garcia - Logs assist in win Garcia provided one assist from three chances created and put two shots off target during Saturday's 2-0 win over Deportivo Alaves. He also left after 43 minutes due to a hamstring...

Impact Garcia has been in strong form of late with six chances created from nine crosses in his last two starts but he'll now be out until early January 2022. Fortunately there are no matches left to play in December, so this shouldn't put Garcia out for more than a couple of games if he's prompt in his return. In his absence, Bebe or Randy Nteka could get starting chances.

DECEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Fernando Pacheco - Concedes two in loss Pacheco conceded two goals and made three saves during Saturday's 2-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Pacheco has lost two of his last three starts but has also won or drawn in four of his last six matches since missing the draw with Barcelona on Oct. 30. He'll next face Villarreal, which are tied for the fifth-most goals scored in La Liga.

DECEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Pere Pons - Creates three chances in loss Pons created three chances in 61 minutes of Saturday's 2-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano.

Impact Pons has started in eight straight matches but generated just seven chances in that time. He did lead his team in chances created during Saturday's match but there's still more to be done before he can make a bigger fantasy impact.

DECEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE