Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal: La Liga Match Preview

Match Context

Rayo Vallecano host Villarreal at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas in Madrid on 17 May 2026, in La Liga Regular Season - 37. Rayo sit 10th on 44 points with a goal difference of -6, while Villarreal are 3rd on 69 points with a goal difference of 24 and pushing for Champions League qualification.

Rayo Vallecano Availability

Rayo face significant absences. Ilias Akhomach (Muscle Injury) is sidelined. Luiz Felipe (Injury) is sidelined. D. Mendez (Knee Injury) is sidelined. Isi Palazón (Red Card) is sidelined. There are also several concerns: I. Balliu (Injury) is doubtful. A. Garcia (Injury) is doubtful. G. Gumbau (Injury) is doubtful. Top scorer Jorge de Frutos, with 10 league goals, is available to lead the attack.

Villarreal Availability

For Villarreal, J. Foyth (Achilles Tendon Injury) is sidelined. R. Veiga (Yellow Cards) is sidelined. P. Cabanes (Convalescence) is doubtful. Key attacking figures G. Mikautadze (12 goals, 6 assists) and Alberto Moleiro (10 goals, 5 assists) are both available, preserving much of Villarreal’s creative threat.

Impact Summary

Rayo’s issues are concentrated in defense and wide areas, potentially disrupting their balance, but their main goalscorer remains fit. Villarreal lose defensive depth and a suspended defender, yet crucial attacking output from Mikautadze and Moleiro is intact, maintaining a strong offensive profile going into this fixture.