Rayo Vallecano host Deportivo Alaves at Estadio de Vallecas on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 UTC.
Both teams come into this La Liga fixture looking for a response after losing their previous matches. Rayo were beaten 2-1 by Sevilla, while Alaves suffered a 3-0 defeat against Getafe. However, Rayo’s strong pre-season form and home advantage make this an interesting matchup.
The hosts also have a fully available squad, while Alaves will be without Facundo Garcés and Lucas Boyé.
In this Rayo Vallecano vs Alaves prediction, we look at recent form, head-to-head results, predicted lineups, team news and the best picks for the match.
Rayo Vallecano vs Alaves Match Info
- Match: Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves
- Competition: La Liga
- Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
- Kick-off: 19:00 UTC
- Venue: Estadio de Vallecas
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Rayo Vallecano unavailable: None reported
- Alaves unavailable: Facundo Garcés, Lucas Boyé
Official starting lineups are usually confirmed around one hour before kick-off.
Rayo Vallecano Recent Form
Rayo Vallecano suffered a 2-1 defeat against Sevilla in their latest match. Despite that result, their recent performances have generally been encouraging.
Rayo Vallecano Last 5 Matches
- Sevilla 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
- Ipswich Town 0-3 Rayo Vallecano
- Sporting Charleroi 2-3 Rayo Vallecano
- Feyenoord 1-2 Rayo Vallecano
- Hearts 1-2 Rayo Vallecano
Rayo have won four of their last five matches, with the defeat against Sevilla ending a four-game winning run.
Their attacking numbers are also promising.
Rayo scored 11 goals across those five games and found the net in every match. In fact, they scored at least twice in four of the five fixtures.
The 3-0 victory over Ipswich was particularly convincing, while wins against Feyenoord and Sporting Charleroi showed that Rayo can remain dangerous in competitive games.
Defensively, there is still room for improvement. Rayo conceded against Sevilla, Charleroi, Feyenoord and Hearts.
Still, returning to Estadio de Vallecas should give them an opportunity to respond after the Sevilla defeat.
Deportivo Alaves Recent Form
Alaves arrive in Madrid after a difficult 3-0 defeat against Getafe.
Alaves Last 5 Matches
- Deportivo Alaves 0-3 Getafe
- Deportivo Alaves 3-0 Castellon
- Deportivo Alaves 1-1 Eibar
- Deportivo Alaves 1-2 Rayo Vallecano
- Real Oviedo 0-1 Deportivo Alaves
Across these five matches, Alaves have recorded two wins, one draw and two defeats.
Their form has therefore been less consistent than Rayo’s.
The 3-0 victory over Castellon showed what Alaves can produce when they find space going forward. However, failing to score against Getafe was a disappointing way to enter this fixture.
There are also some positives defensively. Alaves kept clean sheets against Castellon and Real Oviedo.
Nevertheless, facing Rayo at Vallecas should be a more demanding test.
Rayo Vallecano vs Alaves Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record gives Rayo Vallecano a clear advantage.
Across the recorded meetings between the teams:
- Rayo Vallecano wins: 7
- Deportivo Alaves wins: 4
- Draws: 0
Interestingly, none of the 11 recorded meetings ended in a draw.
Rayo have won seven of them, giving the Madrid side a noticeable historical advantage.
The previous meeting also ended in a 2-1 victory for Rayo Vallecano.
Past results do not guarantee another Rayo win. However, when combined with home advantage and their stronger recent form, the head-to-head numbers provide another reason to favour the hosts.
Rayo Vallecano Team News
Rayo Vallecano currently have no unavailable players reported for this match.
That gives the hosts plenty of flexibility when selecting their starting XI.
The current predicted formation is 4-2-3-1, with Augusto Batalla expected to start in goal.
Isi Palazón could occupy the central attacking role behind Randy Nteka, while Jorge de Frutos and Álvaro García provide width.
Having a fully available squad could also become important during the second half, when substitutions may influence the game.
Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper:
Augusto Batalla
Defenders:
Andrei Ratiu, Florian Lejeune, Pathé Ciss, Iván Balliu
Midfielders:
Óscar Valentín, Unai López
Attacking midfield:
Jorge de Frutos, Isi Palazón, Álvaro García
Forward:
Randy Nteka
This setup should give Rayo a good balance between midfield control and attacking width.
Isi Palazón can operate between the lines, while Álvaro García and Jorge de Frutos can stretch the Alaves defence from wider positions.
Deportivo Alaves Team News
Alaves have two confirmed absences ahead of the trip to Vallecas.
Alaves Unavailable Players
- Facundo Garcés – Suspension
- Lucas Boyé – Injury
Lucas Boyé’s absence is particularly important because it reduces the attacking options available to Alaves.
Meanwhile, the suspension of Facundo Garcés removes another option from the squad.
Alaves are currently expected to use a 3-5-2 formation, with Toni Martínez and Mariano Díaz leading the attack.
Deportivo Alaves Predicted Lineup
Formation: 3-5-2
Goalkeeper:
Antonio Sivera
Defenders:
Nahuel Tenaglia, Ville Koski, Jonny Otto
Midfielders:
Ángel Pérez, Pablo Ibánez, Antonio Blanco, Denis Suárez, Abderrahman Rebbach
Forwards:
Toni Martínez, Mariano Díaz
The 3-5-2 formation could allow Alaves to place plenty of players in central areas.
Denis Suárez may have an important creative role, while Toni Martínez and Mariano Díaz give the visitors two central attacking targets.
However, the wide areas could become important. Rayo have players capable of attacking quickly from the wings, so Alaves’ shape will need to remain disciplined.
Rayo Vallecano vs Alaves Tactical Analysis
This game could be decided by how successfully Rayo use the width of the pitch.
With a 4-2-3-1 formation, the hosts should have several ways to attack Alaves’ back three.
Álvaro García and Jorge de Frutos can stretch the defence, while Isi Palazón should look for space between midfield and the defensive line.
Alaves, meanwhile, may try to make the middle of the pitch difficult to play through.
Their 3-5-2 gives them additional numbers in midfield. Therefore, Rayo may need to remain patient rather than forcing passes through crowded central areas.
The visitors should also carry a threat on the counterattack.
Toni Martínez and Mariano Díaz provide a physical presence up front, while Denis Suárez has the technical ability to create opportunities behind them.
Still, Rayo’s home advantage and stronger recent attacking form give them the edge.
Can Alaves Score at Vallecas?
Alaves have scored in four of their last five matches, although they failed to find the net in the 3-0 defeat against Getafe.
Rayo, meanwhile, conceded in four of their previous five games.
Therefore, an Alaves goal cannot be ruled out.
The visitors could cause problems through crosses, set pieces and quick transitions. Playing with two forwards may also give Rayo’s centre-backs plenty to deal with.
However, the absence of Lucas Boyé reduces Alaves’ attacking options.
For that reason, we expect the visitors to create chances without necessarily controlling the match.
Why Rayo Vallecano Are Our Favourites
Several factors favour the home side.
First, Rayo have won four of their last five matches. Their only defeat during that period came against Sevilla.
Secondly, they have scored in all five games and produced 11 goals in total.
Home advantage is another important factor. Playing at Estadio de Vallecas should allow Rayo to approach the match aggressively.
Squad availability also favours the hosts. Rayo currently have no reported absences, whereas Alaves will be without Facundo Garcés and Lucas Boyé.
Finally, Rayo have the stronger head-to-head record, with seven wins compared with four for Alaves.
Taken together, those factors make the hosts our preferred side.
Rayo Vallecano vs Alaves Betting Tips
🔥 Main Pick: Rayo Vallecano to Win
Rayo’s recent form, home advantage and squad availability make them our main pick.
They have won four of their previous five matches and scored in every game during that period.
Alaves can make the contest difficult, but Rayo should have enough attacking quality to take advantage of playing at Vallecas.
🛡️ Safe Pick: Rayo Vallecano or Draw
For a more conservative selection, Rayo Vallecano or Draw (1X) stands out.
The hosts have been in better recent form and have no reported unavailable players.
Furthermore, Rayo have won seven of the 11 recorded head-to-head meetings between the teams.
💎 Value Pick: Rayo Vallecano to Win & Over 1.5 Goals
For a more ambitious option, Rayo Vallecano to Win & Over 1.5 Goals looks interesting.
Rayo’s recent games have regularly produced goals, while their attacking form remains encouraging.
If the hosts score first, Alaves may need to become more adventurous, which could create additional space as the match develops.
Rayo Vallecano vs Alaves Predicted Score
Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Deportivo Alaves
This should be a competitive match rather than a comfortable victory for the hosts.
Alaves have enough quality to create chances, particularly with two central forwards in their predicted lineup.
However, Rayo have several advantages.
They are at home, have a fully available squad and have won four of their last five matches. Their attacking players have also been finding the net consistently.
Therefore, our Rayo Vallecano vs Alaves prediction is a 2-1 home victory.
Where to Watch Rayo Vallecano vs Alaves
The match will be available through several broadcasters and streaming platforms depending on location.
- United Kingdom: Premier Sports 1 UK, Premier Sports Player
- United States: ESPN Select, ESPN Unlimited, ESPN Deportes, Fubo Sports
- Australia: beIN SPORTS 2, beIN Sports Connect
- Canada: TSN+
- Ireland: Premier Sports 1 ROI
- New Zealand: beIN Sports Connect New Zealand
- South Africa: DStv App, SuperSport GOtv LaLiga, SuperSport MaXimo 1
- India: FanCode, Tata Play FanCode Sports
- Nigeria: SuperSport GOtv LaLiga, SuperSport LaLiga Nigeria, SuperSport MaXimo 1
- Ghana: DStv Now, SuperSport LaLiga ROA, SuperSport GOtv LaLiga, SuperSport MaXimo 1
- Singapore: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, StarHub TV+
- Philippines: beIN Sports Connect Philippines
- Pakistan: FanCode
- Hong Kong: Now Player
- Malaysia: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, sooka
- Bangladesh: FanCode
Broadcast availability may vary by country and subscription package.
Final Prediction
Rayo Vallecano have a good opportunity to respond to their 2-1 defeat against Sevilla when they return to Estadio de Vallecas.
The hosts have won four of their last five matches and scored 11 goals during that period. They also enter this fixture with no reported unavailable players.
Alaves have been less consistent and arrive after a 3-0 defeat against Getafe. The absence of Lucas Boyé and suspension of Facundo Garcés also reduce their options.
The visitors should still be capable of making this competitive, which is why a clean sheet for Rayo is far from guaranteed.
However, home advantage, recent form and the head-to-head record all point towards the Madrid side.
🔥 Main Pick: Rayo Vallecano to Win
🛡️ Safe Pick: Rayo Vallecano or Draw (1X)
💎 Value Pick: Rayo Vallecano to Win & Over 1.5 Goals
🎯 Predicted Score: Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Deportivo Alaves
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