Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano – News and Probable Lineups

Rayo Vallecano is aiming for a second successive European finish as they prepare to face Alaves at Mendizorroza this Saturday.

The Conference League finalists head into the final round of fixtures sitting in eighth place in La Liga, while the Basque club occupies 14th and is out of the relegation zone.

Match overview

Alaves head coach Quique Sanchez Flores has fulfilled the objective set upon his appointment in March, successfully steering the Basque team to safety with one match remaining.

The 61-year-old has managed to collect 16 points from his first 11 matches, seven of which have come in the last three fixtures.

A 1-1 draw against Elche was followed by a significant 1-0 win over the La Liga champions Barcelona, after which Alaves assured themselves of another season in the top division with a narrow win over Real Oviedo.

Toni Martinez netted the crucial goal at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere, sending Alaves to their fourth away league victory of the 2025-26 season.

Following that triumph, El Glorioso now only has their league position to contend with on matchday 38, hoping to secure consecutive home victories for the first time since September 2024.

They have won three of their last four competitive home fixtures against Rayo Vallecano, including a 2-0 victory in their last-16 encounter in January.

In contrast, Rayo has everything to play for at this critical point in the season, with genuine hopes of European qualification just days before they travel to Leipzig for the Conference League final against Crystal Palace.

Los Franjirrojos will certainly have an eye on their most significant match ever, yet they are eager to deliver a solid performance in their final league game, with only a point separating them from seventh-placed Getafe, currently in the Conference League qualification spot.

Inigo Perez’s team has positioned themselves strongly for European qualification with a six-match unbeaten streak in La Liga, which includes last Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal, a match where club icon Oscar Trejo made his last appearance at Estadio de Vallecas.

Sergio Camello opened the scoring against the Yellow Submarine, with Trejo assisting Alemao, who made it 2-0 with his fifth goal in seven competitive matches.

Rayo understands that a victory on Saturday could catapult them into seventh place if Getafe fails to overcome Osasuna, while a draw or a Getafe defeat would likely secure European qualification due to their favorable head-to-head record, provided ninth-placed Valencia does not defeat Barcelona.

The first goal could be vital for Rayo’s chances of clinching all three points since all four of their away league victories this season have happened after they opened the scoring.

Team News

Alaves will be without defender Facundo Garces, who is serving a FIFA suspension due to document falsification related to representing the Malaysian national team.

Sanchez Flores has no injury issues to address ahead of the last matchday, with Abde Rebbach available after recovering from a knock.

Martinez continues to be the primary goal threat for Alaves, having scored 13 times in La Liga this season, with eight of those occurring in the last nine matches.

On the other hand, the visitors are missing defender Luiz Felipe and winger Ilias Akhomach due to injuries, while Isi Palazon will be serving the fifth match of a seven-game suspension.

Unai Lopez will finish a one-match ban after receiving his fifth yellow card of the league season.

Alvaro Garcia is trying to prove his fitness in time for the Conference League final on Wednesday, but he will not be available for Saturday’s away fixture.

Alaves probable starting XI:

Sivera; Tengalia, Koski, Parada; Perez, Guridi, Blanco, Suarez, Rebbach; Martinez, Diabate

Rayo Vallecano probable starting XI:

Battle; Balliu, Lejeune, Mendy, Pacha; Valentin, Gumbau; De Frutos, Diaz, Perez; Camel

Rayo has proven to be a difficult opponent to overcome lately, yet they have secured only one win in their last eight away matches, so we believe the visitors may have to share the points.