Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal Match Preview: La Liga Showdown

Match at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, Madrid, on 17 May 2026 in La Liga Regular Season - 37. Rayo Vallecano sit 10th on 44 points (goal difference -6), while Villarreal arrive in 3rd place on 69 points with a goal difference of 24.

Rayo Vallecano Selection Issues

Rayo Vallecano face significant selection issues. Ilias Akhomach (Muscle Injury) is sidelined. Luiz Felipe (Injury) is sidelined. D. Mendez (Knee Injury) is sidelined. Isi Palazón (Red Card) is sidelined. I. Balliu (Injury) is doubtful. Álvaro García (Injury) is doubtful. G. Gumbau (Injury) is doubtful. Top scorer Jorge de Frutos, with 10 league goals, is available and will carry much of the home attacking threat.

Villarreal Concerns

Villarreal also have concerns. J. Foyth (Achilles Tendon Injury) is sidelined. Renato Veiga (Yellow Cards) is sidelined. P. Cabanes (Convalescence) is doubtful. Their leading attacking figures remain available, with G. Mikautadze on 12 goals and 6 assists and Alberto Moleiro contributing 10 goals and 5 assists.

Attacking Output

In terms of attacking output, Villarreal’s absences are mainly defensive or structural, preserving most of their 67-goal firepower. Rayo, who have scored 37 league goals, lose depth and creativity in wide and defensive areas, increasing the reliance on de Frutos and the remaining forwards to compensate for the missing support cast.