Verdict: Rayo Vallecano draw no bet
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Turning their attention back to La Liga duties on Thursday night, Rayo Vallecano will welcome a struggling Espanyol to Madrid.
Rayo Vallecano
Starting with the hosts, extending on their Europa Conference League adventure last week as they dragged themselves over the finishing line in the most spectacular of fashion, Rayo Vallecano will be desperately hoping for smoother sailing here. Eventually punching their iconic semi-final ticket thanks to nail-biting 4-3 aggregate win against Greek outfit AEK Athens, Inigo Perez’s side will know the importance of finding some recent stability. Last seen in La Liga action putting in a nightmare display as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming away at Mallorca, the Little Thunderbolts will be excited to make a return to the Spanish capital here. Getting their famous European knockout stage charge underway with a thumping 3-0 first-leg victory against AEK, Rayo Vallecano have lost just a pair of their previous 17 consecutive showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems back to the end of September.
Rayo Vallecano Team News
Still sidelined with a long-term knee injury and already ruled out for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign, Diego Mendez won’t play any part here. Failing to find his feet in what has been a maiden campaign in the Spanish capital, ex-Valencia striker Fran Perez is still dealing with a muscle issue.
Despite being set to turn 35 next month, one-time Newcastle star Florian Lejeune will start at the heart of Vallecano’s defence. Settling for a spot on the bench over in Greece last week, Pedro Diaz could be handed a full recall in midfield.
Espanyol
As for the visitors, signing off 2025 in the midst of what was a sensational five-match La Liga winning run, Espanyol had underlined their status as one of Spain’s ultimate surprise packages. However, completely blow away against bitter local rivals and runaway leaders Barcelona last time out, the Parakeets have come crashing back down to earth in an infamous fashion. Embarking on what has been a public nightmare so far this calendar year, the pressure on Manolo Gonzalez’s shoulders is starting to intensify. Despite opening up the midweek fixtures clinging to their spot in the top-half, Espanyol have remarkably failed to win any of their 14 showdowns in 2026 (nine defeats, five draws). Heading into March’s international break with consecutive 2-1 losses against Mallorca and Getafe, Gonzalez’s struggling squad could be set for another tricky test when they travel to the capital on Thursday night.
Espanyol Team News
Shown what was a costly late booking against Barca last week, former Real Sociedad youngster Urko Gonzalez will serve a one-match suspension here. However, missing out of the Catalonia derby after serving his own respective domestic ban, German defender Clemens Riedel should be handed an immediate full recall.
Suffering yet another injury setback in January and not seen since, Javi Puado remains on the sidelines with a knee injury. Making a shock switch from Blackburn Rovers last summer, Tyrhys Dolan will feature in the final third.
Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol Key Factors to Consider
- Espanyol have won each of their previous four straight meetings against Thursday’s hosts by an aggregate score of 9-2.
- However, Espanyol have remarkably failed to win any of their 14 La Liga showdowns in 2026 (nine defeats, five draws).
- The Parakeets have shipped at least a pair of goals in six of their previous seven La Liga matchups on the road.
- Rayo Vallecano have lost just a pair of their previous 17 consecutive showdowns in front of their own supporters – a run that stems back to the end of September.
- Vallecano have registered at least a single strike in all eight of their La Liga appearances on home soil so far this calendar year.
Conclusion
Eventually dragging themselves to an iconic Europa Conference League semi-final spot last week, Rayo Vallecano should be expecting a heroes welcome when they return to the capital here. Gaining a reputation for their rugged success in Madrid, the Little Thunderbolts have lost just a pair of their previous 17 showdowns in front of their own supporters across all competitions. Meeting an Espanyol side who find themselves at the heart of a record-breaking 2026 rut, we are backing a home draw no bet on Thursday night.
Verdict: Rayo Vallecano draw no bet
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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