Rayo Vallecano vs Levante – News and Probable Lineups

Rayo Vallecano will seek to secure back-to-back victories across all competitions when they host Levante in their La Liga match on Monday night.

The team from the capital currently sits in 15th place in the La Liga standings, six points clear of the relegation zone, whereas Levante is in 19th place, trailing 17th-placed Elche by four points in their fight to remain in the league.

Match overview

Rayo will head into Monday’s fixture following a 3-1 victory against Samsunspor in the first leg of their last-16 tie in the Conference League, putting them in a favorable position to progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Inigo Perez’s squad is currently 15th in the La Liga table, with a record of seven wins, 10 draws, and 10 losses out of 27 games, accumulating 31 points.

Rayo is six points above the relegation threat and is actually unbeaten in their last five league encounters, attaining two victories, although they ended with a 1-1 draw against Sevilla in their most recent match.

Los Franjirrojos have lost only twice at home in Spain’s top division this season, having drawn seven times in their 13 matches played on home soil.

The team will be aiming to achieve a La Liga double against Levante, having previously secured a 3-0 win in their earlier league meeting this season.

Levante holds a slight advantage in their overall head-to-head record against Rayo, with 15 wins compared to Rayo’s 13, along with 11 matches ending in a draw.

The Frogs managed a 4-2 triumph over Rayo in the corresponding fixture last season, and they have won two of their last four matchups against the team from the capital.

Luis Castro’s side occupies 19th place in the La Liga standings, four points adrift of 17th-placed Elche, meaning a victory on Monday would significantly enhance their chances of survival.

Levante possesses the weakest defensive record in Spain’s top division this season, having conceded 45 goals over their 27 matches. However, they have managed to take four points from their last two fixtures, winning against Alaves and drawing with Girona.

Three of Levante’s five league victories this season have come away from home, and they will have the advantage of being more rested than their opponents on Monday night.

Rayo Vallecano La Liga form:

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Rayo Vallecano form (all competitions):

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Team News

Rayo will be missing Diego Mendez due to injury, but aside from that, the home team is in solid condition for their match against Levante.

Head coach Perez is likely to make some changes to the lineup on Monday, keeping one eye on the upcoming second leg against Samsunspor.

Alemao netted twice on Thursday but is expected to start on the bench for this game, with Jorge de Frutos poised to take his place in the attacking lineup, while both Isi Palazon and Ilias Akhomach could be rested.

On the other hand, Levante will be without Roger Brugue, Pablo Martinez, and Carlos Alvarez due to injuries, while Unai Elgezabal, Ugo Raghouber, and Kareem Tunde are all major doubts for the match.

The visitors will also have to cope without Adrian de la Fuente and Jon Olasagasti, who are suspended.

Carlos Espi has scored three times in his last two outings for Levante and is once again anticipated to play a key role in the attack.

Etta Eyong has not started since February 8 and is expected to return to the substitutes’ bench for this fixture.

Rayo Vallecano probable starting XI:

Battle; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Espino; Valentin, Gumbau; Martin, Diaz, A Garcia; De Frutos

Levante probable starting XI:

Ryan; Toljan, Matturro, Moreno, Sanchez; Arriaga, Rey; V Garcia, Romero, Cortes; Espi

Rayo is likely to keep an eye on next week’s second leg in the Conference League, which could work in Levante’s favor. While it is tough to predict an away victory here, they should be capable of securing at least a draw.