Rayo Vallecano – Elche. Prediction and Match Preview

April 3, 2026. 22:00. Madrid. "Vallecas".
La Liga 2025-26. 30th round

Rayo Vallecano (Madrid) – Elche

Where to watch: MEGOGO

Disqualified: Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano)

Injured: none

Questionable: Nobel Mendy – Victor Chust, Hector Fort, John Donald, Grady Diangana

Rayo Vallecano

The Lightning played another solid game against a strong opponent before the international break, but again failed, losing to Barcelona with a score of 0:1. As in the first round match earlier in the season, Iñigo Pérez's team unnerved the Catalan fans. Joan García, who had finally made his debut for the Spanish national team just a few days earlier, was busy jumping around and reminding everyone why he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The league leaders, who have easily won home games by at least three goals at the Camp Nou, were met with real resistance this time. Barcelona's only goal came from a free kick midway through the first half. The home side then created a few more good chances, but they paled in comparison to the sharp opportunities created by Rayo, none of which the visitors converted. As a result, Rayo Vallecano's unbeaten run in La Liga stretched to three matches, ending a six-match unbeaten run that had included four 1-1 draws. The other two victories were a 3-0 derby win over Atletico on neutral ground and a 3-0 home win over Oviedo. The Madrid team also recently reached the quarter-finals of the Conference League, knocking out Turkish side Samsunspor (3-2 on aggregate), and soon set up their first match against Greek side AEK. But first, the Lightning need to focus on getting back to winning ways in La Liga. Rayo are currently four points above the relegation zone, but they have a tough away trip to Mallorca, who are in that danger zone, between their Conference League matches. Mallorca will be in good spirits, so Rayo will not mind creating a little more of a buffer against any potential mistakes.

Elche

Franchiverdes finally got their first win of 2026 just before the international break. Eder Sarabia's team, under threat of dismissal, had been struggling to get to this point and even slipped into the relegation zone before the final matchday. But in a direct battle for survival with the aforementioned Mallorca, they took all three points. The victory was also an attempt to get back into the game. The hosts conceded a goal shortly after the break, but Rafa Mir quickly equalised, cleverly capitalising on a gift in the penalty area. Then Tete Morente, who returned to his former club in January, nodded home a fine pass from the wing from German Valera. In stoppage time, the visitors were awarded a penalty for a handball by veteran centre-back Pedro Bigas, but the usually reliable Vedat Muriki fired over the bar. A draw would have been a fairer result overall, but fate seemed to have rewarded Sarabia's side for their recent poor form. The result ended Elche's 11-match unbeaten run, during which they had picked up just four points since their first game of the new calendar year. Interestingly, they finished last year with a win over none other than Rayo Vallecano, thrashing the Madrid outfit 4-0 at home. With their recent win, Sarabia's side have moved past their beaten rivals and out of the relegation zone, but they are just one point ahead of the islanders. Any mistake could send them back into the bottom three. On the other hand, Mallorca will play Real Madrid in this round, so Elche could maintain their current 17th place even if they lose to Vallecas.

Rayo Vallecano vs. Elche: Predicted Lineups

Rayo Vallecano vs. Elche: Author's Prediction

Elche haven't won in Vallecano since 2020, when both teams played in La Liga 2. Since then, the Franchiverdes have suffered three consecutive defeats in Madrid - one in the Spanish Cup and two in La Liga matches. It is also worth noting that Elche are the worst away team in the current championship, having collected only four points in 14 away games. Rayo Vallecano haven't been stellar at home - four wins in 14 matches - but they have only lost there twice. Inigo Perez's team is a fair favorite heading into this match. However, I'm not entirely sure about a home win; another draw seems entirely possible. On the other hand, the Lightning will have to respond appropriately to their heavy defeat to Elche in the first round. And from a standings perspective, as already mentioned, a win wouldn't hurt Rayo at all.