La Liga 2025-2026: Rayo Vallecano-Espanyol, the probable formations

At 8 p.m., the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas hosts a crucial match for salvation. Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol compete to win three golden points and move away from the relegation zone once and for all. Both teams need to regain balance and tranquility to end the season without any nasty surprises. Rayo Vallecano wants to take advantage of the boost from their fans to return to winning ways, a goal that has been missing for several weeks now. For the hosts, winning tonight would mean taking a significant step toward salvation. Espanyol, on the other hand, arrive in Madrid at a critical moment-the Catalans have yet to secure a win in 2026 and the standings are beginning to look grim. This match may be what is needed to regain morale to face the season finale.

Pérez relies on Cardenas between the posts, protected by a defensive line where Ratiu and Pacha stand out on the flanks. In the midfield, the Lopez-Gumbau pair will be tasked with providing balance and order, allowing the trio of Diaz, Palazon and Martin to invent in spaces. Up front, the surprise is the advancement of de Frutos in the role of offensive terminal, a tactical choice aimed at giving no reference points to the opponent’s defense.

Manolo comes to Madrid with a very solid and compact team. In front of Dmitrovic, the central pair will be Calero-Cabrera, with Lozano and Exposito in midfield who will have to manage the maneuver, while on the outside lanes will act Ngonge and Dolan, with the task of supplying the forwards. The offensive danger will come through the feet of Jean, who will act between the lines in support of Garcia, the only point of reference.

Rayo Vallecano-Espanyol, likely lineups

Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Cardenas; Ratiu, Vertrouwd, Chavarria, Pacha; Lopez, Gumbau; Diaz, Palazon, Martin; de Frutos. All. Inigo Perez.

Espanyol (4-4-1-1):Dmitrovic; El Hilai, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Ngonge, Exposito, Lozano, Dolan; Jean; Garcia. All. Manolo.