The new La Liga season started last weekend, and Rayo Vallecano will clash with Alavés in the first game of matchday two. The encounter will take place at the Estadio Butarque in Leganés.

Stadium problems leave Rayo Vallecano without a home

The build-up to the 2026/27 campaign has been problematic for Rayo Vallecano. Serious safety concerns mean they cannot play home fixtures at the Estadio Vallecas, so they’ll host matches on neutral territory for the immediate future.

A 2-1 defeat against Sevilla on Saturday also marked a poor start on the pitch under new boss Beñat San José. Major changes are not expected following that loss, but Sergio Camello could replace Randy Nteka up front.

Luiz Felipe is out injured, and recent signing Marash Kumbulla is another major doubt. The main goal threat will come from wingers Jorge de Frutos and Álvaro García, who accounted for 34% of their team’s league goals last term.

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup vs Alavés (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Rațiu, Ciss, Lejeune, Balliu; Valentín, López; De Frutos, Palazón, García; Camello.

Mariano stakes his claim as Alavés look to build on bright start

A 3-0 home victory over Getafe was the perfect beginning for Alavés. Mariano Díaz came off the bench to score and register two assists, so he’s pushing for a starting role.

New signing Mikel Rodríguez was also on the scoresheet last time out. However, Quique Sánchez Flores may prefer to field a more experienced midfield in this game.

Antonio Blanco, who averaged 2.6 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per match in La Liga 2025/26, is the key figure in the centre of the pitch. He’s sure to start for the visitors, who are expecting to have a full squad available.

Alavés predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (5-3-2): Sivera; Pérez, Tenaglia, Koski, Jonny, Rebbach; Ibáñez, Blanco, Suárez; Martínez, Mariano.

Rayo Vallecano vs Alavés Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Rayo Vallecano to score under 1.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.45 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Alavés
  • 22Bet Booking Code: MKSXS

Key stats:

  • Rayo Vallecano have scored more than once in only two of their past seven competitive matches.
  • The Madrid club also netted one or fewer goals in three of their four pre-season outings.
  • Alavés have only conceded twice in five fixtures since the start of pre-season.

The absence of a convincing striker is the main flaw in this Rayo Vallecano squad. They only netted once against Sevilla last time out, despite creating three big chances. Those issues are unlikely to be fixed by the possible return of Camello, who has never registered more than six goals in a La Liga season.

With a small crowd expected and no real home advantage for Rayo, they will struggle to dominate. Backing the hosts to score under 1.5 goals using the 22Bet bonus of up to 122 $/€ is the smart pick.

Rayo Vallecano vs Alavés Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Alavés to win or draw
  • Odds: 1.689 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 7ERXS

There is value in backing Alavés to win or draw at odds of 1.689. The Basque club only lost one of their final five away fixtures in La Liga last term.

They’ve also been the more impressive team in recent weeks, with none of their five outings since the start of pre-season ending in defeat. Rayo have lost four times over the same period.

Verdict: Rayo Vallecano to score under 1.5 goals (1.45) — Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Alavés