Elche – Rayo Vallecano. Prediction and Match Preview

December 21, 2025 19:30. Elche. "Martínez Valero".
La Liga 2025-26. Round 17

Elche – Rayo Vallecano (Madrid)

Where to watch: MEGOGO

Suspended: Andrey Ratiu (Rayo Vallecano)

Injured: Grady Diangana, Andre Silva – Abdul Mumin, Jorge de Frutos, Aleman

African Cup: Pathé Cisse, Randy Nteka (both – Rayo Vallecano)

Elche

As we remember, Franchiverdes started the season with a historic unbeaten streak that stretched over seven full matches. But that hot streak was soon followed by an equally long cold spell. In those games, Eder Sarabia's team picked up just three points, all of which ended in home draws against Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and Real Madrid. Two weeks ago, Elche finally broke that heavy losing streak. In the 15th round, Franchiverdes thrashed Girona in style, winning 3-0 – thanks to a brace from Rafa Mir and a debut goal from Germán Valera that sealed the victory. However, Eder Sarabia's team suffered another setback on the road last weekend. They lost 1-3 to Mallorca in a match where Elche lost on all fronts – a rarity for them. It was the fifth consecutive away defeat for the "ilisitanos" in La Liga, although they have been better in the Copa del Rey. Sarabia's side have faced weaker opposition in the opening rounds, but midweek proved to be a real test as they beat Eibar 1-0 thanks to a goal from substitute Adam Boyar midway through the first half.

Rayo Vallecano

The Lightning missed this week's Copa del Rey match with Granada - which has been moved to early January - but they remained alert. Iñigo Pérez's side completed their Conference League group stage campaign against Kosovo's Drita with a solid 3-0 win. Centre-back Florian Lejeune opened the scoring with a stunning first-half goal, Gerard Gumbau added a second midway through the final period and in the 83rd minute Pasha Espino scored his second consecutive goal in the Conference League. Again, he scored as a substitute and it was a beauty. The result lifted the Spaniards to fifth place overall, securing a place in the last 16.

With the Conference League suspended, Iñigo Pérez's side can focus on domestic matters over the next few months. The situation will not be helped by a jolt, especially in La Liga, where the Madrid team is 13th, a narrow three points above the relegation zone. Rayo are also mired in a six-match winless run in the league. They suffered away defeats in two of them: 0-4 at Villarreal and 0-1 at Espanyol. During the November international break, Perez's men drew 0-0 with league leaders Real Madrid and bottom-placed Oviedo. Valencia drew 1-1 at the start of December and were held to a goalless draw by Real Betis at Vallecas last weekend.

Elche v Rayo Vallecano: Predicted Line-ups

Elche go into this game without the injured duo of Grady Diangana and Andre Silva. Rayo Vallecano's absence has been even more significant. Key right-back Andrei Ratiu is suspended for the trip to Martinez Valero, while Pathé Cisse and Randy Nteka are out with their African national teams. The injured list includes long-term absentee Abdul Mumin, as well as Alemao and Lightning top scorer Jorge de Frutos.

Elche vs. Rayo Vallecano: Author's Prediction

In their last match, Elche defeated Rayo Vallecano 4-0 at Martinez Valero. This came during a dismal 2022-23 season for the Franchiverdes, which ended in relegation. Notably, Rayo's last win at Elche dates back to 1991. In 11 away games since then, the hosts have won eight and drawn three. Given Madrid's current injury problems and shaky league form, this streak is expected to continue. Moreover, Elche remains unbeaten at home this season. It might even be worth backing Eder Sarabia's team to win.