Getafe – Rayo Vallecano: Prediction and Match Preview

May 3, 2026 17:15. Getafe. "Coliseum".
La Liga 2025-26. Round 34

"Getafe" – "Rayo Vallecano" (Madrid)

Where to watch: MEGOGO

Suspended: Gené, Said Romero, Mario Martin – Isi Palazón

Injured: Juanmi – Luis Felipe, Alvaro Garcia, Randy Nteca

Doubtful: Borja Mayoral – Oscar Valentin

Getafe

In early February, the "azulones" were teetering on the edge of the relegation zone. But then they finally got their first win of the new calendar year – a 2-0 away win over Alaves – and things really took off from there. In the next nine matches, José Bordalas' team won six more, suffering three disappointing 0-1 defeats. These successes ultimately led to a significant improvement in Getafe's league position, which put them in serious contention for a place in the European championships.

Before the international break, Azulónes scored a somewhat unexpected away win over Espanyol (2-1) and, after the league resumed, they convincingly defeated Athletic Bilbao at home (2-0). However, they failed to secure a third consecutive win, losing 0-1 to Levante in Valencia. However, after a short break, José Bordalas' team bounced back with a 1-0 away win over Real Sociedad, who were celebrating their Copa del Rey victory with their fans in attendance. Getafe's victory was somewhat of a fluke - the Basques missed an early penalty and the only goal was an own goal by the home team - but a win is a win, isn't it?

Last week, the Azulónes hosted league leaders Barcelona. For several seasons, the Catalans have struggled to win at the Coliseum, but this time they managed it - 2-0. Fermín López opened the scoring late in the first half, and Marcus Rashford doubled the Blaugrana's lead midway through the second. Despite the defeat, Getafe remained sixth, ahead of Celta on points in the standings, and the aggregate score was level. Below them, Real Sociedad are breathing down their necks, Osasuna are two points behind and Athletic Bilbao are three points behind. Meanwhile, Azulónes are five points behind Betis. The fight for the last few places in European competitions is heating up.

Rayo Vallecano

While Getafe and others are competing for places in the Europa League and Conference League, the Madrid team is busy improving Spain's overall coefficient, directly influencing how many La Liga teams will take part in European competitions next season. The Lightning are participating in UEFA competition for only the second time in their history, and they are shining again. They reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup back in 2000-01, and are now one step away from the final of the Conference League. In midweek, Inigo Perez's team comfortably beat Strasbourg at home in the first leg of their semi-final, although despite having a clear advantage, they only managed one goal - Alemao's header from a corner in the 54th minute. They could have added two or three more goals, but the French goalkeeper held firm. Let's hope that doesn't happen to them in the return leg. Despite their European achievements, Rayo Vallecano have yet to secure their survival in La Liga. After the international break, Blyskavka secured a crucial 1-0 home win over Elche, but a week later they were beaten 3-0 away by Mallorca. However, that was between the quarter-finals of the Conference League, so there is some justification. After a short break, Inigo Pérez's team won another home game, 1-0, this time against Espanyol. A few days later, Rayo hosted Real Sociedad, who, having just won the Spanish Cup, were perhaps not fully motivated. However, the Madrid team was unable to secure a third consecutive home win, with the match ending 3-3. The teams traded goals in the first half (Sergio Camello scored again for the hosts, having scored the winning goal in the previous match), and midway through the second half, the Basques first regained their lead and then doubled it with a dubious penalty awarded after Rayo's goal was reviewed and disallowed in favour of Txuri-Urdin. But Inigo Pérez's team did not give up. Florian Lejeune soon came on for Madrid, and Alemao equalised in the ninth minute of stoppage time. However, in the process, Blyskavka lost key player Isi Palason, who received a long suspension for an emotional reaction - he will miss the next seven games. Rayo currently shares 11-13th place with Valencia and Espanyol, five points above the relegation zone. It's a small difference. In addition, the upcoming league match may well be sacrificed for the sake of the fight for the Conference League final.

Getafe – Rayo Vallecano: Predicted lineups

Getafe vs Rayo Vallecano: Author's Prediction

In recent years, the Lightning have become a real nightmare for Getafe. The Azulónes last beat their Madrid rivals back in February 2019. Since then, they have defeated Barcelona, ​​Atletico and even Real Madrid, but Rayo remains elusive. Their unbeaten streak has lasted nine games, with six draws, but Getafe now has a golden opportunity to break it. I won't completely rule out a draw, but I do consider that the visitors will probably field a rotated squad. However, the hosts also have their own injury problems.