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

Monday’s La Liga closes the 35th round at 9 p.m., with the Vallecas match between Rayo Vallecano and Girona. The hosts arrive galvanized by the success in the derby with Getafe and the historic qualification to the Conference League final, with salvation now within reach. It is the opposite situation for Michel’s Girona, coming off three consecutive defeats and now dangerously close to the relegation zone, just one point ahead of the red zone. While Rayo is looking for one last victory to secure the championship and prepare for the European finals, Girona is obliged to a reaction of pride to avoid relegation. Despite the return of Witsel in midfield, the Catalans will still have to do without Vanat in a match where a small mistake can cost an entire season.

Pérez relies on a very solid and balanced team with Batalla between the posts and the Lejeune-Mendy pair in the center of defense. In the midfield act Ciss and Gumbau, while the weight of the attack is entrusted to Alemao, supported on the three-quarter by De Frutos, Camello and Pacha.

Michel deploys his team in a specular fashion, which relies on the experience of Blind in defense and the Witsel-Beltran dyke in midfield. The talents of Tsygankov, Ounahi and Lemar will be at the service of Echeverri, deployed as the only offensive reference.

The likely lineups

Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3- t1): Batalla, Balliu, Lejeune, Mendy, Verteouwd; Ciss, Gumbau; de Frutos, Camello, Pacha; Alemao. All. Perez.

Girona (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Martinez, Blind, Reis, Moreno; Witsel, Beltran; Tsygankov, Ounahi, Lemar; Echeverri. All. Michel.