Elche vs Rayo Vallecano: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Bwin's detailed preview for Elche vs Rayo Vallecano in the La Liga. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 17:30 GMT match.

• Fixture: Elche vs Rayo Vallecano
• Date: Sunday, 21 December 2025
• Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
• Venue: Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero

Elche's recent form suggests a team capable of competing against top sides, as evidenced by their draws against Real Madrid and Real Sociedad. Their predicted 4-1-4-1 formation, with Mir leading the attack, could exploit Rayo Vallecano's defensive vulnerabilities, especially considering Rayo's recent struggles to score. Elche's midfield, anchored by Neto and Febas, should provide the necessary control to dictate the game's tempo.

Rayo Vallecano have shown resilience in their recent fixtures, securing four draws in their last five games. Their 4-2-3-1 setup, with Gumbau and Valentin in midfield, aims to maintain a solid defensive structure while looking to counter-attack. However, their inability to convert draws into wins might hinder their performance against an Elche side that has shown both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Match Prediction: Elche 2-1 Rayo Vallecano

Elche's recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, with a convincing win against Girona at home but losses to Mallorca and Getafe away. Their ability to hold Real Madrid and Real Sociedad to draws at home indicates a strong defensive resilience and confidence when playing on their turf. This form suggests Elche could approach the upcoming match with optimism and momentum, particularly in front of their home crowd.

Recent La Liga Results:

• Loss: 1-3 vs Mallorca (A)
• Win: 3-0 vs Girona (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Getafe (A)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Real Madrid (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Real Sociedad (H)

Rayo Vallecano have been consistent in securing draws, with four out of their last five games ending in stalemates. This pattern reflects a team that is hard to beat but struggles to find the winning formula, as seen in their goalless draw against Real Madrid. Their recent form indicates a team that might approach the match against Elche with caution, focusing on maintaining their defensive solidity rather than pushing for a victory.

Recent La Liga Results:

• Draw: 0-0 vs Real Betis (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Espanyol (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Valencia (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Oviedo (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Real Madrid (H)

The head-to-head record between Elche and Rayo Vallecano shows a competitive rivalry, with Elche securing a convincing 4-0 victory in their most recent encounter. Prior to that, the matches have been closely contested, with Rayo Vallecano winning three out of the last five meetings. This pattern suggests that while Elche has the potential for a strong performance, Rayo Vallecano cannot be underestimated, given their history of competitive results against Elche.

Recent Results

• Elche 4-0 Rayo Vallecano (29 Apr 2023)

• Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Elche (03 Oct 2022)

• Elche 2-1 Rayo Vallecano (18 Feb 2022)

• Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Elche (17 Oct 2021)

• Rayo Vallecano 2-0 Elche (16 Jan 2021) - Copa del Rey

• Grady Diangana (Hamstring) - Doubt

• David Delgado (Suspended) - Out

• Óscar Trejo (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Abdul Mumin (Knee) - Out

• Alemão (Pain) - Doubt

• Andrei Rațiu (Suspended) - Out

• Jorge De Frutos (Knee) - Out

• Randy Nteka (International duty)

• Pathé Ciss (International duty)

• Predicted lineup: Pena (GK), Nunez (DF), Affengruber (DF), Chust (DF), Bigas (DF), Aguado (MF), Valera (MF), Neto (MF), Febas (MF), Santiago (MF), Mir (AT)

Elche's predicted 4-1-4-1 formation will likely see Mir as the lone striker, supported by Santiago, aiming to exploit spaces behind Rayo's defence. The midfield quartet of Valera, Neto, Febas, and Aguado should provide the necessary width and control to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.

• Predicted lineup: Batalla (GK), Balliu (DF), Lejeune (DF), Mendy (DF), Chavarria (DF), Gumbau (MF), Valentin (MF), Perez (MF), Palazon (MF), Espino (MF), Garcia (AT)

Rayo Vallecano's expected 4-2-3-1 setup will rely on the defensive stability provided by Lejeune, Mendy, and Chavarria, with Gumbau and Valentin anchoring the midfield. The attacking quartet of Perez, Palazon, Espino and Garcia will look to exploit any gaps left by Elche's defenders.

• Mir vs Lejeune: Mir's movement and finishing will be tested against Lejeune's defensive solidity.

• Febas vs Valentin: Febas's creativity in midfield will face a stern challenge from Valentin's defensive discipline.

• Neto (Elche): Neto's control and distribution in midfield will be crucial for Elche's possession-based approach.

• Gumbau (Rayo Vallecano): Gumbau's ability to break up play and initiate counter-attacks will be vital for Rayo Vallecano.

Elche vs Rayo Vallecano at 17:30 GMT on Sunday, 21 December 2025, will be broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Premier Sports 1.

Bwin is predicting that the score will be Elche 2-1 Rayo Vallecano.

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