Rayo Vallecano take on Racing Santander in one of three La Liga matches on Saturday. Safety concerns at the Estadio Vallecas mean this game will take place at Butarque in Leganés.

Injuries adding to Rayo Vallecano’s problems

It has been a challenging start to life at Rayo Vallecano for Beñat San José. Aside from the stadium issues, he is having to contend with injuries to some key players.

First-choice goalkeeper Augusto Batalla is not expected to feature again this year following a leg fracture. Chief playmaker Isi Palazón is also sidelined, while defenders Luiz Felipe, Jozhua Vertrouwd and Marash Kumbulla are additional fitness concerns.

Emil Audero and Gnangoro Bouaré were added late in the transfer window and are in contention for starting roles. Sergio Camello will lead the line, and he takes form into this game, having netted three times in three league outings so far.

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Racing Santander (4-2-3-1): Cárdenas; Rațiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Pedrosa; Valentín, Bouaré; De Frutos, U. López, Á. García; Camello.

Racing Santander thriving following summer business

Since winning promotion, Racing Santander have added quality to their squad. They finished their summer business with the €5.5m capture of winger Pablo García from Real Betis, and he should at least make the bench.

A 3-2 victory over Elche last time out was the Cantabrian club’s first win at this level in more than 14 years. It came courtesy of a hat-trick from loanee Yassir Zabiri, who scored with three of his five shots.

Racing have been hit by one significant injury blow. Key attacker Andrés Martín is set for many weeks on the sidelines due to a knee issue. Back-up keeper Simon Eriksson could also miss out.

Racing Santander predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Agirrezabala; Mantilla, Hernando, Ramón, Salinas; Maguette, Prati; I. Martín, Canales, Vicente; Zabiri.

Rayo Vallecano vs Racing Santander Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Racing Santander to score over 0.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.33 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Rayo Vallecano 2-2 Racing Santander
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 75QZ7

Key stats:

  • Racing have only failed to score in one of the 11 meetings between the clubs this century.
  • The visitors were the top scorers in the 2025/26 Segunda División, averaging 2.14 goals per match.
  • Rayo Vallecano have conceded eight goals in their three competitive outings so far this term.

With this match effectively being played on neutral territory, Racing Santander will view it as one they can win. They are a positive team and are averaging 1.67 goals per 90 minutes back at the highest level.

Including friendlies, Rayo have gone nine games without a clean sheet. There is uncertainty in goal after the Batalla injury, while they’ve also been hit by the defensive departures of Pep Chavarría and Nobel Mendy. Backing Racing to score over 0.5 goals is a safe pick.

Rayo Vallecano vs Racing Santander Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Racing Santander to win or draw & Both teams to score
  • Odds: 2.49 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: AMPZ7

Racing Santander offer value at odds of 2.49 to avoid defeat in an encounter that sees both teams score. They’ve competed well since returning to the top tier and have lost only one of their past five games, including friendlies.

By contrast, Rayo Vallecano are struggling following the departure of their influential coach Iñigo Pérez. They’ve won just once in seven outings since the start of pre-season.

Verdict: Racing Santander to score over 0.5 goals (1.33) — Rayo Vallecano 2-2 Racing Santander