Preview: Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol – prediction, team news, lineups & more related news here

After sealing their place in the Conference League semi-finals, Rayo Vallecano returns to domestic action with a home La Liga clash against Espanyol on Thursday.

The hosts are in 15th place in the top Spanish categorywhile the visitors are three points better, in 12th position.

Match preview

Rayo has had a week to reflect on one of the most important moments in its history after qualifying for the first time in the semifinals of a European competition.

Los Franjirrojos traveled to Greece with a three-goal lead in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final against AEK Athens, but conceded three goals in just over 50 minutes at the Allwyn Arena.

But when it seemed that the tie was tilting in favor of AEK, Isi Palazón scored what turned out to be the decisive goal. sealing a 4-3 aggregate victory to prepare for a semi-final clash against French side Strasbourg.

While they dream of winning their first major trophy, Rayo still have work to do to extend their five-season stay in the top flight, with three points separating them from the relegation zone ahead of Thursday’s home game against Espanyol.

Los Franjirrojos hope to claim their first head-to-head victory since winning 2-0 at the RCDE Stadium in August 2022.

They will at least enjoy their chances of a positive result, having lost only one of their previous 12 league games in Vallecas (5 wins, 6 draws).

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Espanyol may be six points clear of the relegation zone, but they will continue to look nervously over their shoulders after failing to win any of their 14 league games in 2026.

In fact, no team has added fewer points (5) in the calendar year than Manolo González’s team.

Espanyol arrives in Madrid after three defeats in its last four La Liga games, including one tough 4-1 defeat in their recent derby against leader Barcelona.

The result at the Camp Nou represented the fourth time in the last seven away games that Espanyol has scored three goals or more.

They were able to put together a strong defensive performance in the first leg against Rayo in December, when a Roberto Fernández penalty in the first half proved enough to seal a 1-0 victory.

Thursday’s visitors will have fond memories of their last two trips to Vallecas, where they achieved a narrow 2-1 victory in May 2023 and a resounding 4-0 victory in April 2025.

State of Rayo Vallecano in La Liga:

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Rayo Vallecano form (all competitions):

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Espanyol’s form in LaLiga:

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Team news

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Rayo cannot call up the defensive duo of Florian Lejeune and Nobel Mendy, and both will serve a one-match ban for accumulating yellow cards.

Defender Luiz Felipe and striker Álvaro García are struggling to prove their fitness in time for Thursday’s home clash.

Fran Pérez could return to the matchday squad after returning to team training following a four-game absence due to injury.

As for the visitors, attacker Javi Puado continues working on his rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Urko González de Zárate will serve a one-match suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season.

While González searches for a winning formula, Ramón Terrats and Fernández are among those who could enter his thoughts for Thursday’s contest.

Possible starting lineup for Rayo Vallecano:

Battle; Ratiu, Vertrouwd, Ciss, Espino; Valentin, Lopez; Akhomach, Palazón, Chavarría; Of fruits

Espanyol’s possible starting lineup:

Dmitrović; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Exposito, Lozano; Ngonge, Terrats, Dolan; Fernandez

We say: Rayo Vallecano 2-2 Espanyol

Espanyol have tended to have fun in recent meetings with Rayo, but with the visitors still looking for their first win in 2026, we believe they will have to settle for a draw against a team that has proven difficult to beat in Vallecas in La Liga this season.

For a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match, click here.