Rayo Vallecano vs Elche: Match Preview, Predictions, Team News & Lineups
Rayo Vallecano host Elche on Friday as both clubs chase crucial points in La Liga’s closing run. The visitors sit 17th, one point clear of 18th-placed Mallorca. Rayo occupy 14th, three points ahead of Elche.
Match context
Rayo have collected 32 points from 29 league games this season. Their record reads seven wins, 11 draws and 11 defeats.
Elche secured a vital 2-1 home win over Mallorca in their most recent outing. The result lifted them out of the relegation zone.
Rayo Vallecano form and issues
The Madrid side last won in the league on March 4, beating Oviedo 3-0. They then lost 1-0 to Barcelona before the international break.
Rayo remain active in the Conference League. They reached the quarter-finals and will face AEK in Madrid on April 9.
- La Liga form: D D W D D L
- All competitions: W D W D L L
Home results have been mixed. Rayo have lost only two of 14 home league matches and shared the points eight times.
Team news sees Diego Mendez sidelined through injury. Ilias Akhomach, Fran Perez and Nobel Mendy need late tests. Pathe Ciss is suspended after his booking versus Barcelona.
Alvaro Garcia has been central to Rayo’s attack. He has 12 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances this season.
Elche form and issues
Elche ended a run without wins in 2026 by beating Mallorca. Rafa Mir and Tete Morente scored in that comeback victory.
The win moved Elche up to 17th in the table. They remain precariously placed, one point above the drop zone.
- La Liga form: D L D L L W
Elche have struggled away from home. They have only four points from 14 league trips and no away wins.
Defensive options may change. On-loan Hector Fort is available after a shoulder issue but will likely be benched. Victor Chust, Grady Diangana and John Donald require fitness checks.
Rafa Mir is the team’s top scorer with eight league goals. The 28-year-old is expected to lead the attack.
Head-to-head
The clubs have met 46 times in history. Elche have won 28 of those matches. Rayo have 12 victories, and six games ended in draws.
Team news, lineups and prediction
This match preview contains predictions, team news and likely lineups for Rayo Vallecano and Elche. Both coaches must balance league survival with squad fitness concerns.
| Rayo Vallecano (possible) | Elche (possible) |
|---|---|
| Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Felipe, Chavarria; Valentin, Lopez; Akhomach, Palazon, A. Garcia; De Frutos | Dituro; Petrot, Affengruber, Bigas; Morente, Villar, Febas, Aguado, Valera; Mir, Rodriguez |
Prediction: 1-1. Rayo have drawn many home fixtures this term. Elche’s poor away record makes a low-scoring stalemate likely.
Filmogaz.com will monitor late fitness updates and provide final team news ahead of kickoff.
