Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on April 23, 2026
LaLiga Spain
In the 33rd round of the Spanish La Liga on April 23, 2026, a match will take place between Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol. Only a victory will keep either team's hopes alive for a European competition spot.
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol: Team News and Expert Analysis
The Madrid side collected the same 52 points as Osasuna last season but edged them out for eighth place. This enabled them to debut in the Europa Conference League, where, starting from the summer qualifiers, the Spaniards reached the quarterfinals, confidently overcoming AEK as well. Domestically, the team understandably slipped a bit, but importantly, they remain in the middle of the table. However, they suffered a heavy defeat to Mallorca in the last round, losing 0-3.
The club from Barcelona's suburbs returned after a year in the Segunda and collected 42 points in the 2024/2025 season, finishing fourteenth. The new campaign saw a strong start, but after the winter break, their form declined sharply—up until April, they had no wins at all! Barcelona even won the derby 4-1.
The capital players score an average of 0.94 goals and concede 1.23 per game. The Catalans play a slightly more entertaining style: with 1.19 goals scored per match and 1.55 conceded.
Previous Matches: Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol
The 1-0 win in December was the fourth victory in a row for Manolo Gonzalez's team.
The hosts need a win, as they are not far from the relegation zone. We predict they will win with a "0" handicap (odds – 1.60).
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol: Key Statistics and Trends
- Rayo Vallecano have lost two of their last four matches
- 42% of Rayo Vallecano's matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.16
- Espanyol have not won in 2026
- 61% of Espanyol's matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.74
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol: Probable Starting Lineups
Rayo Vallecano play a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Batalla - Chavarria, Luis Felipe Ramos, Lejeune, Ratiu - Palazon, Valentin, Lopez - Garcia, Aleman, De Frutos. Perez, Mendes, and Mendy will not play for various reasons.
Espanyol are expected to line up in a 1-4-4-1-1 formation (probable lineup): Dmitrovic - Romero, Cabrera, Riedl, El-Hilali - Exposito, Dolan, Lozano, Gonzalez - Ngonge - Roberto Fernandez. Paudo will be absent.
Place a bet on the upcoming match and follow the team's progress in the Spanish La Liga standings
