Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 18 January

Celta Vigo will host Rayo Vallecano at the Abanca Balaídos this Sunday, 18 January, in a crucial LaLiga clash. This match holds significant importance as both teams look to strengthen their positions in the league standings. The phrase ‘Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips’ sets the scene for an intriguing encounter between two Spanish sides with plenty to play for.

Celta Vigo, playing on home soil, will aim to use their familiarity with Abanca Balaídos to their advantage. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano will be eager to secure valuable points on the road. With both teams having much at stake, this match promises to be a competitive affair in the context of the LaLiga season.

Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Over 2.5 goals	2.23

Taking into account the recent performances and defensive records of both teams, our betting tip is ‘Both Teams to Score’. Celta Vigo have shown attacking strength but also defensive frailties, while Rayo Vallecano’s top scorer Jorge de Frutos is likely to make an impact.

• Celta Vigo have been inconsistent but managed a high-scoring game last round with a 4-1 win.
• Rayo Vallecano’s Jorge de Frutos has been in good form, scoring 6 goals this season.
• Both teams have shown a tendency to concede, with Celta Vigo averaging 1 goal conceded per game and Rayo Vallecano averaging 1.2.

Given the attacking strengths and defensive weaknesses on both sides, this bet offers a balanced risk-reward scenario.

Betting Odds

Celta Vigo enter this home fixture at Abanca Balaídos as favourites, with odds of 2.04. However, Rayo Vallecano should not be underestimated, as their odds of 3.88 suggest potential for an upset. The draw is priced at 3.21, highlighting the competitive nature of this LaLiga clash.

Betting Tip	Odds
Celta Vigo to win	2.04
Draw	3.21
Rayo Vallecano to win	3.88

For those considering a wager, the match odds reflect a close contest. With Celta’s home advantage and Rayo’s underdog potential, punters may find value in both teams to score markets or by considering a draw as a realistic outcome.

Celta Vigo Analysis & Recent Performance

Celta Vigo have shown strong form recently, particularly in their last five LaLiga matches, securing three wins, one draw, and only one defeat. Their most recent success was a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Sevilla, underlining their ability to claim crucial points on the road.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sevilla	Celta Vigo	0 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	12 Jan 2026
Celta Vigo	Valencia	4 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	3 Jan 2026
Real Oviedo	Celta Vigo	0 – 0 (Draw)	LaLiga	20 Dec 2025
Albacete	Celta Vigo	N/A	Copa del Rey	17 Dec 2025
Celta Vigo	Athletic Club	2 – 0 (Win)	LaLiga	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Celta Vigo’s attack has been effective, averaging 1.80 goals per game over their last five matches, with Borja Iglesias leading the line as top scorer with 7 goals this season. Defensively, Celta have kept 3 clean sheets in this period and conceded just 0.20 goals per game on average. This defensive resilience has been key to their recent success.

Despite these impressive statistics, Celta Vigo have been inconsistent at home, with a win ratio of only 40% in their last five home games. This suggests that while they are capable of strong performances, there is room for improvement in translating away form to home fixtures. Currently 7th in LaLiga, Celta Vigo will look to maintain their form and climb higher in the table.

• WWDLW

Celta Vigo Suspensions & Injuries

Celta Vigo approach their match against Rayo Vallecano with minimal injury concerns, as Jaime Vázquez is the only player currently sidelined. His groin injury leaves his return date uncertain, but as he has not featured in the starting lineup recently, the impact on Celta Vigo’s tactical plans is limited. The team is largely unaffected in terms of core starting personnel, allowing them to maintain their usual formation and approach.

The absence of Jaime Vázquez does not significantly alter Celta Vigo’s tactical setup, with key players such as Iago Aspas and Borja Iglesias available. This continuity is crucial for coach Claudio Giráldez, ensuring Celta Vigo can field a strong side without major adjustments.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jaime Vázquez	Groin injury	Unknown

With a full-strength squad available, Celta Vigo are well-positioned to compete effectively against Rayo Vallecano. The lack of suspensions or significant injuries allows them to focus on executing their strategy without compensating for missing players, which may influence betting markets to favour the home side.

Celta Vigo Key Players

Celta Vigo’s attacking threat will depend heavily on Borja Iglesias, the team’s top scorer with 7 goals. Iglesias is renowned for his clinical finishing and movement in the box, making him a constant danger to opposition defences. His partnership with veteran playmaker Iago Aspas is particularly important, as Aspas’ vision and passing can unlock defences and provide Iglesias with scoring opportunities.

In midfield, Ilaix Moriba is expected to play a pivotal role with his dynamism and ability to drive forward. His partnership with Miguel Román could be key in controlling the tempo and providing defensive stability. At the back, Carl Starfelt’s aerial prowess and Marcos Alonso’s experience on the left flank will be crucial in thwarting Rayo Vallecano’s attacks.

Expected lineup for Celta Vigo:

• Goalkeeper: Ionuț Andrei Radu
• Defence: Javi Rodríguez, Carl Starfelt, Marcos Alonso
• Midfield: Jones El-Abdellaoui, Miguel Román, Ilaix Moriba, Óscar Mingueza, Iago Aspas, Bryan Zaragoza
• Forward: Borja Iglesias

The tactical impact of these players is significant: Borja Iglesias’ goal-scoring ability provides a focal point for Celta Vigo’s attack, while Iago Aspas’ creativity offers the spark needed to break down defences. The combination of Moriba’s energy and Román’s control in midfield ensures a balanced team with both attacking flair and defensive resilience. This blend of key players could dictate the flow of the match, highlighting their importance in Celta Vigo’s lineup.

Celta Vigo Tactics and Formation

Celta Vigo Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Borja Iglesias
• Midfield Pivot: Ilaix Moriba and Óscar Mingueza
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilises wing-backs for width and quick transitions.

Celta Vigo’s 3-4-2-1 formation is designed to maximise width and control in midfield. The presence of Ilaix Moriba and Óscar Mingueza centrally allows for a blend of defensive coverage and creative distribution. Iago Aspas and Bryan Zaragoza operate just behind Borja Iglesias, offering options for quick link-up play and penetration.

Defensively, the trio of Javi Rodríguez, Carl Starfelt, and Marcos Alonso form a solid backline, which has contributed to Celta’s impressive record of three clean sheets in their last five matches. The setup benefits from the defensive contributions of wing-backs Jones El-Abdellaoui and Miguel Román, who also support the attack.

Offensively, Celta Vigo often exploit the flanks, with wing-backs pushing high up the pitch to deliver crosses or cut-backs. Borja Iglesias, their top scorer, is pivotal in converting these chances, supported by the creative talents of Aspas and Zaragoza in transition phases.

Rayo Vallecano Analysis & Recent Performance

Rayo Vallecano’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. Their notable victories came against Mallorca (2-1) and Granada (3-1) in the Copa del Rey, showing their ability to deliver in high-stakes matches. However, their most recent outing ended in a 0-2 defeat to Deportivo Alavés, exposing defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Deportivo Alavés	Rayo Vallecano	2 – 0 (Loss)	FA Cup	14 Jan 2026
Rayo Vallecano	Mallorca	2 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	11 Jan 2026
Granada	Rayo Vallecano	1 – 3 (Win)	FA Cup	6 Jan 2026
Rayo Vallecano	Getafe	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	2 Jan 2026
Elche	Rayo Vallecano	4 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	21 Dec 2025

Performance Analysis:
Offensively, Rayo Vallecano have averaged 1.20 goals per game in their last five fixtures, with Jorge de Frutos leading the way as their top scorer with six goals this season. Defensively, they’ve conceded an average of 1.80 goals per match in the same period, with only one clean sheet, highlighting a need for improvement at the back. Their away form shows a win ratio of 40%, with two wins from their last five away games.

In terms of team dynamics, Rayo Vallecano sit mid-table in 10th place with 22 points. Their performances have been marked by inconsistency, with no clean sheets in their last five games. This inconsistency is also reflected in their away record, where they’ve lost three of their last five matches. Despite these challenges, their attacking potential remains a threat, especially when they can capitalise on defensive lapses.

• LWWDL

Rayo Vallecano Suspensions & Injuries

Rayo Vallecano must contend with the absence of several key players due to injuries and suspensions as they prepare to face Celta Vigo. The suspension of Óscar Valentín after a red card is a significant blow to their midfield stability. His role may be filled by Pedro Díaz, who will need to step up and provide defensive cover and playmaking ability. Additionally, Pathé Ciss is unavailable due to international duty, further reducing their midfield options.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Pathé Ciss	International duty	1	Unknown
Óscar Valentín	Red card	1	Unknown

In terms of injuries, Rayo Vallecano are missing Luiz Felipe and Andrei Rațiu, both sidelined with muscle injuries. This affects their defensive depth, though Ivan Balliu and Florian Lejeune in the starting lineup should help address these concerns. The fitness of Khalid Abdul Mumin and Sergio Camello is also in doubt, with both players recovering but questionable for the match. Rayo Vallecano may need to adapt their tactics by relying more on their attacking options in the absence of these defensive stalwarts.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Khalid Abdul Mumin	Cruciate ligament injury	Back in training
Luiz Felipe	Muscle injury	Late January 2026
Unai López Cabrera	Physical discomfort	Doubtful
Andrei Florin Rațiu	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Sergio Camello	Ankle injury	Doubtful
Iván Balliu	Physical discomfort	Doubtful

The combination of these absences could impact Rayo Vallecano’s overall performance, potentially affecting their defensive solidity and midfield control. Bettors may see this as a factor that could tip the odds in favour of Celta Vigo, especially given the importance of a robust midfield in dictating the game’s tempo. Rayo Vallecano will need to lean on their available attacking players to compensate for the missing defensive and midfield presence.

Rayo Vallecano Key Players

Rayo Vallecano’s attacking play revolves around Jorge de Frutos, the team’s top scorer with 6 goals this season. Operating from midfield, de Frutos is not only a goal threat but also a creative force, often orchestrating attacks and finding pockets of space to exploit. His ability to break defensive lines will be crucial against Celta Vigo, making him a player to watch.

Supporting de Frutos are Isi Palazón and Álvaro García in midfield, both known for their agility and vision. Palazón’s dribbling and García’s pace will be vital in stretching the opposition’s defence. At the back, Florian Lejeune’s leadership and aerial strength are key, particularly in organising the backline and dealing with set pieces.

Expected lineup for Rayo Vallecano:

• Goalkeeper: Augusto Batalla
• Defenders: Iván Balliu, Florian Lejeune, Nobel Mendy, Pep Chavarría
• Midfielders: Pedro Díaz, Jorge de Frutos, Isi Palazón, Álvaro García, Gerard Gumbau
• Forward: Carlos Martín

Rayo Vallecano Tactics and Formation

Rayo Vallecano Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Carlos Martín
• Midfield Pivot: Pedro Díaz and Gerard Gumbau
• Defensive Setup: Recent adjustments due to injuries
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on fluid midfield play and quick transitions.

Rayo Vallecano’s 4-2-3-1 formation focuses on maintaining a strong midfield presence, with Pedro Díaz and Gerard Gumbau anchoring the centre. This setup allows them to control possession and distribute the ball effectively, while also providing defensive cover. The team relies on the creativity and pace of Isi Palazón and Álvaro García on the flanks to stretch defences and create chances.

Defensively, the absence of Luiz Felipe and Andrei Rațiu necessitates adjustments, with Iván Balliu and Pep Chavarría stepping into important roles. The central defensive pairing of Florian Lejeune and Nobel Mendy will need to be alert to maintain defensive solidity, especially given the team’s recent struggles to keep clean sheets.

Offensively, Rayo Vallecano emphasise quick transitions, with Carlos Martín expected to capitalise on opportunities created by the midfield. This strategy has been effective in breaking down opposition defences, although maintaining defensive discipline remains a challenge, as recent results have shown.

Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano Head-to-Head Record

Celta Vigo and Rayo Vallecano have met 32 times, with Rayo leading the head-to-head record with 15 wins compared to Celta’s 6, along with 11 draws. Their most recent encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at Rayo’s home ground in September 2025 as part of the ongoing LaLiga season.

The last time Celta hosted Rayo at Abanca Balaídos was in May 2025, when Rayo secured a 2-1 victory. Celta’s home record against Rayo has been challenging, with only 6 wins in their entire head-to-head history.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Rayo Vallecano	Celta Vigo	1 – 1	LaLiga	2025-09-21
Celta Vigo	Rayo Vallecano	1 – 2	LaLiga	2025-05-18
Rayo Vallecano	Celta Vigo	2 – 1	LaLiga	2025-01-10
Celta Vigo	Rayo Vallecano	0 – 0	LaLiga	2024-03-31
Rayo Vallecano	Celta Vigo	0 – 0	LaLiga	2023-12-11