La Liga 2026–2027: Sevilla vs. Rayo Vallecano, Probable Lineups

Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano face off at 9:30 p.m. in the second match of the first matchday of the 2026-2027 La Liga season. The Andalusians avoided relegation thanks to a stunning comeback last season following the arrival of Garcia Plaza as head coach, who has been retained for this season; the Madrid-based team, on the other hand, has started the season with a new head coach, Beñat San José Gil.

In Seville, Romero is expected to start, having edged out Robbie Ure for the spot. Supporting him in the attacking midfield will be Vargas, Ejuke, and another new signing, Guridi, while Agoume and Mercado will anchor the midfield.

Rayo Vallecano is grappling with issues at the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas stadium, which has been closed and had its operating license suspended by Madrid’s regional authorities due to serious safety deficiencies and maintenance problems. The financial crisis has also impacted the transfer market: so far, the only real addition has been Marash Kumbulla, who will start on the bench. Alemao will play center forward with the attacking midfield trio of de Frutos, Palazon, and Garcia behind him.

Sevilla vs. Rayo Vallecano: Probable Lineups
Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Vlachodimos; Carmona, Salas, Castrin, Suazo; Agoume, Mercado; Vargas, Guridi, Ejuke; Romero. Head Coach: Garcia Plaza.
Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Pathé Ciss, Balliu; Óscar Valentín, Unai López; Jorge de Frutos, Isi Palazón, Álvaro García; Alemão. Head Coach: Beñat.

Beñat has asked his Rayo players to focus solely on the match and not on the difficulties the club is currently facing: “Our main goal is to avoid relegation; the outside noise doesn’t help us, but the team must concentrate on what it does on the field. We’d all prefer not to have to worry about these things, but unfortunately, they exist. As the coach, I see the players and staff very focused, aware that we can’t afford to lose our concentration.”