Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano Preview: Team News & Prediction
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We have a bit of a Madrid derby at the Coliseum on Sunday afternoon as Getafe take on a Rayo Vallecano side that may well be distracted by their excursions into Europe.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Getafe preview: Pushing for Europe
With fifth potentially enough for UEFA Champions League qualification in La Liga, Getafe will believe they have a sniff as they begin the weekend sitting sixth in the table and just six points behind Real Betis, who are fifth, with five games to go.
Jose Bordalas’ hostile and aggressive hosts head into this one having suffered a second defeat in three matches, though, as they succumbed to a 2-0 loss to champions-elect Barcelona last weekend due to strikes from Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford.
Rayo Vallecano preview: Focus on the UECL
Rayo Vallecano most recently secured a narrow 1-0 lead against Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg in the first-leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final, with the second leg in France set for this coming Thursday.
Rayo will remain fully focused on that tie, with it being their first ever semi-final in European competition. But Inigo Perez’ impressive and intense side are not yet safe as they push themselves into the middle-of-the-table in La Liga.
Getafe team news: Several suspensions
As is typical of a Bordalas style of football, Getafe are dealing with several suspensions for this one with Zaid Romero sidelined alongside versatile defender Djene and midfielder Mario Martin.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Soria; Boselli, Duarte, Abqar; Iglesias, Milla, Arambarri, Davinchi; Birmancevic, Vazquez, Satriano
Unavailable: Romero (Suspended), Djene (Suspended), Martin (Suspended)
Questionable: Mayoral (Injured)
Rayo Vallecano team news: Wait on Vertrouwd
Rayo Vallecano could have Jozhua Vertrouwd available should he prove his fitness prior to this one, but the likes of Felipe, Garcia, Mendez and Nketa are all out for the visitors.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarria; Diaz, Lopez, Valentin; de Frutos, Alemao, Akhomach
Unavailable: Felipe (Injured), Garcia (Injured), Mendez (Injured), Nketa (Injured)
Questionable: Vertrouwd (Injured)
Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano prediction
Getafe have been very impressive in 2026, especially since the January transfer window additions of the likes of Luis Vazquez and Martin Satriano. The hosts are pushing for European qualification with their rugged style which has seen them score just 28 goals in 33 games. Rayo head into this one having more or less secured safety in La Liga and their focus will be on that second-leg with Strasbourg, so siding with Getafe would be the way to go for this one.
Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano tip: Getafe to win & under 3.5 goals
