Today’s La Liga clash between Rayo Vallecano and Real Mallorca promises a tightly contested battle as both sides look to climb the standings and gain momentum after mixed results in the first half of the season.

The match kicks off at Estadio de Vallecas with Rayo Vallecano sitting just above the relegation zone, while Mallorca are only one point behind.

Across the season, Rayo have shown resilience on home turf, remaining unbeaten in several recent home matches and capable of grinding out results. Mallorca, meanwhile, have been formidable in head-to-head meetings with Rayo, remaining unbeaten against them in recent seasons.

Recent statistics point to a trend of low-scoring, competitive matches between these sides. In their last encounters, defensive organisation and tight margins have often dictated results, with multiple draws and narrow scorelines highlighting the closeness of this rivalry.

Both teams have struggled at times to convert chances consistently, and with Rayo’s solid defensive record at home contrasting with Mallorca’s reactive and compact away style, the stage is set for a chess match rather than an open goal-fest. Possession percentages may favour the home side slightly, but Mallorca’s tactical discipline and counter-attacking approach will test Rayo.

Team News & Injury Report

Rayo Vallecano – Absences and Squad Updates

Rayo Vallecano enter this match with a handful of notable absentees and doubts that will influence their lineup and tactical approach. Key players such as Pathé Ciss are unavailable due to participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, weakening Rayo’s defensive midfield options. Additionally, defenders Luiz Felipe and Iván Balliu are sidelined through injury, while youngsters like Alexandre Zurawski are doubtful due to muscle issues.

These absences could disrupt Rayo’s usual defensive stability one of their strengths at home, forcing manager Iñigo Pérez to adjust personnel and tactical shape. The lack of fully fit defensive contributors may compel Rayo to rely on younger or rotation players, potentially opening tactical opportunities for Mallorca’s attack.

Real Mallorca – Fitness and Selection News

Mallorca also face injury concerns that influence their likely selection. Goalkeeper Iván Cuéllar, defender Antonio Raíllo, and midfielder Manu Morlanes are reported as injured or doubtful, which could lead to adjustments in defence and midfield.

However, Mallorca’s main attacking threat striker Vedat Muriqi, remains fit and expected to lead the line, making him a key player to watch in this matchup. Mallorca usually set up in a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, and although absentees could limit rotation options, their core attacking and midfield players are expected to feature. The fitness news for both sides suggests a tactical battle where squad depth and adaptability may be decisive.

Form Guide – Recent Results & Performance Trends

Rayo Vallecano’s form this season has been marked by inconsistency, especially in scoring. They have managed several draws and a handful of wins, but have also struggled to find regular attacking fluency scoring only 14 goals in 18 La Liga matches so far.

At home, however, they have shown resilience, remaining unbeaten in many of their recent home fixtures and capable of grinding out results even against stronger opponents. Their defensive organisation at Vallecas, particularly in recent games, has helped them stay competitive even when chances are limited.

Mallorca’s recent form has also been mixed, with several draws and occasional losses. Their away record has shown defensive solidity at times, but they have struggled to score consistently on the road, a trend that could be crucial in today’s match.

Historically, however, Mallorca have found success against Rayo, remaining unbeaten in their last seven meetings, which suggests tat they often raise their performance level in this fixture. These mixed recent results and head-to-head trends underline the potential for another close and competitive match.

Predicted Lineups – Based on Last Matches & Injuries

Here are the projected starting lineups for today’s clash, based on recent confirmed lineups and current injury reports:

Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1):
GK: Augusto Batalla
RB: Andrei Rațiu
CB: Florian Lejeune
CB: Nobel Mendy
LB: Pep Chavarría
DM: Óscar Valentín
DM: Unai López
RW: Jorge de Frutos
CAM: Isi Palazón
LW: Álvaro García
ST: Sergio Camello

This predicted Rayo lineup reflects the club’s need to balance defensive stability and attacking support, with retainable wide players like Palazón and De Frutos providing creativity from the flanks.

Mallorca (4-2-3-1):
GK: Leo Román
RB: Pablo Maffeo
CB: Martin Valjent
CB: Marash Kumbulla
LB: Johan Mojica
DM: Omar Mascarell
DM: Samu Costa
RW: Takuma Asano
CAM: Sergi Darder
LW: Jan Virgili
ST: Vedat Muriqi

Mallorca’s lineup aims to provide balance between midfield solidity and goal threats through their main striker Muriqi, with Darder and Virgili influencing the attacking transitions.

Prediction & Score Outlook – Tight Contest Expected

Considering both teams’ current form, injury news, and historical context, this contest looks poised to be tight and potentially low-scoring. With Rayo’s home defensive resilience and Mallorca’s recent struggles to score away from home, a draw appears to be the most likely option.

a final scoreline around Rayo Vallecano 1–1 Real Mallorca

Both teams have shown defensive organisation but inconsistent finishing, making “Under 2.5 goals” a likely scenario.