Deportivo Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, May 23rd

Deportivo Alavés will face Rayo Vallecano in a crucial LaLiga encounter this Saturday, May 23rd. The match will take place at the Estadio Mendizorroza, where both teams will be eager to secure valuable points. This fixture is significant as both Deportivo Alavés and Rayo Vallecano are looking to improve their standings in the league.

Playing at home, Deportivo Alavés will aim to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to gain an advantage. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano will be keen to challenge their hosts and potentially upset the home crowd with a strong performance. As the season progresses, every match becomes critical, making this clash an intriguing one for fans and bettors alike.

Deportivo Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Deportivo Alavés to Win	120

Given Deportivo Alavés’ recent solid form and Rayo Vallecano’s struggles on the road, our recommended betting tip is to back Deportivo Alavés for a win. The home side’s advantage and key player returns give them the edge in this matchup.

• Deportivo Alavés have scored in 9 consecutive matches, showcasing their consistent attacking threat.
• Rayo Vallecano’s average of 1.1 goals conceded per match highlights their defensive vulnerabilities.
• Playing at Mendizorroza provides a significant home advantage for Alavés, combined with Rayo’s weakened attacking options.

Betting Odds

Deportivo Alavés are slight favourites at home, with odds of 2.4, but Rayo Vallecano’s odds of 2.95 suggest a closely contested match. The draw is priced at 3.32, indicating a tight affair at Estadio Mendizorroza.

Betting Tip	Odds
Deportivo Alavés to win	2.4
Draw	3.32
Rayo Vallecano to win	2.95

For those looking to place a bet, the match odds reflect a balanced game, and there could be value in betting on a draw or exploring the over 2.5 goals market, given both teams’ attacking potential.

Deportivo Alaves Analysis & Past Performance

Deportivo Alavés enter this match with a commendable recent form, having secured three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five outings. Notably, their last victory was a 1-0 triumph over Real Oviedo, showcasing their ability to grind out results away from home.

Home Side	Away Side	Result	League	Date
Real Oviedo	Deportivo Alavés	0 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	17 May 2026
Deportivo Alavés	Barcelona	1 – 0 (Win)	LaLiga	13 May 2026
Elche	Deportivo Alavés	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	9 May 2026
Deportivo Alavés	Athletic Club	2 – 4 (Loss)	LaLiga	2 May 2026
Deportivo Alavés	Mallorca	2 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	25 Apr 2026

Recent Form:
Alavés have shown resilience in attack, averaging 1.40 goals per game in their recent fixtures, with Antonio Martínez being a key player, contributing significantly to their offensive efforts. Defensively, they have managed to keep two clean sheets, indicating a measure of stability at the back, despite conceding an average of 1.20 goals per match. Their home form has been solid, with two wins and two draws in their last five home games, reflecting a 40% win ratio at Estadio Mendizorroza.

Their current league position of 14th with 43 points suggests a mid-bottom standing, with room to climb the table. The team’s ability to score in all their recent games highlights their attacking persistence, although the consistency in preventing goals remains an area for improvement.

• WWDLW

Deportivo Alaves Suspensions & Injuries

Deportivo Alavés face a slight setback with the absence of Abde Rebbach due to a muscle injury, expected to return in early June 2026. His unavailability could affect the team’s width and creativity in midfield, as Rebbach’s dynamic play is crucial for breaking down defences. The team will likely need to rely more on Denis Suárez to fill the creative void left by Rebbach’s absence.

Given Rebbach’s injury, coach Quique Sánchez Flores might look to reinforce the midfield with a more defensive setup to maintain balance. Antonio Blanco could take on a more advanced role, providing support to the forwards Ibrahim Diabaté and Antonio Martínez. This adjustment could see Deportivo Alavés adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on solidifying their defence and looking for counter-attacking opportunities.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Abde Rebbach	muscle injury	Early June 2026

The absence of major suspensions means Deportivo Alavés can field a strong lineup, maintaining stability in their tactical approach. However, the missing creativity from Rebbach may influence betting markets, with potential implications for the team’s attacking effectiveness and overall match odds.

Deportivo Alaves Key Players

Deportivo Alavés’ attacking prowess is spearheaded by Antonio Martínez, the team’s top scorer with 13 goals this season. Martínez’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. His partnership with Ibrahim Diabaté up front provides a dynamic and unpredictable attacking force, capable of breaking down Rayo Vallecano’s back line. Martínez’s role as the focal point in attack is crucial, as his movement and finishing could dictate the outcome of the match.

Midfield maestro Denis Suárez is another key figure, orchestrating play with his vision and passing range. His ability to link the defence and attack, combined with Jon Guridi’s energy and drive, forms a solid midfield foundation that supports both offensive and defensive transitions. In defence, the presence of Nahuel Tenaglia and Víctor Parada will be vital in maintaining a solid back line, capable of withstanding pressure and launching counter-attacks.

Expected lineup for Deportivo Alavés:

• Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
• Defence: Nahuel Tenaglia, Ville Koski, Víctor Parada
• Midfield: Ángel Pérez, Jon Guridi, Antonio Blanco, Denis Suárez, Abderrahman Rebbach
• Forward: Ibrahim Diabaté, Antonio Martínez

Deportivo Alaves Tactics and Formation

Deportivo Alavés Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Antonio Martínez
• Midfield Engine: Antonio Blanco and Denis Suárez
• Defensive Strategy: Three clean sheets in the last ten games
• Notable Strategy: Utilising wing-backs for width and quick transitions in play.

Deportivo Alavés opt for a 3-5-2 formation, which allows them to bolster their midfield presence while maintaining a solid defensive line. The three-man defence, consisting of Nahuel Tenaglia, Ville Koski, and Víctor Parada, provides the necessary defensive stability, supported by the experienced goalkeeper Antonio Sivera.

In midfield, Antonio Blanco and Denis Suárez are pivotal in controlling the tempo and transitioning the play from defence to attack. They are flanked by Ángel Pérez and Abderrahman Rebbach as wing-backs, who provide essential width and support both offensively and defensively.

Offensively, Alavés rely heavily on Antonio Martínez, their top scorer, to convert chances. The partnership with Ibrahim Diabaté up front is designed to exploit defensive gaps, especially during quick transitions. Despite their strategic approach, maintaining consistency in defence remains key, as reflected in their recent record of two clean sheets in the last five matches.

Rayo Vallecano Analysis & Past Performance

Rayo Vallecano’s recent form has been promising, with a streak of unbeaten games in their last five outings. They have secured three victories and two draws, showcasing a well-rounded performance across both domestic and European competitions. A notable highlight was their 2-0 triumph against Villarreal, which demonstrated their ability to secure clean sheets while maintaining offensive pressure.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Rayo Vallecano	Villarreal	2 – 0 (Win)	LaLiga	17 May 2026
Valencia	Rayo Vallecano	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	14 May 2026
Rayo Vallecano	Girona	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	11 May 2026
Strasbourg	Rayo Vallecano	0 – 1 (Win)	Conference League Final Stage	7 May 2026
Getafe	Rayo Vallecano	0 – 2 (Win)	LaLiga	3 May 2026

Recent Form:

• WDDWW

Offensively, Rayo Vallecano have averaged 1.40 goals per game in their last five matches, with key contributions from top scorer Jorge de Frutos, who has netted 10 goals this season. Their defensive solidity is evident with three clean sheets in the same period, allowing just 0.40 goals on average per game. However, their away form has been less consistent, with a win ratio of 0.40, indicating room for improvement in securing results on the road.

Rayo Vallecano Suspensions & Injuries

Rayo Vallecano are set to miss some key players due to suspensions and injuries, which could significantly impact their tactical setup against Deportivo Alavés. The suspension of Isi Palazón, who is serving a seven-match ban with three matches remaining, removes a crucial attacking option. Unai López Cabrera’s suspension for yellow card accumulation further weakens the midfield, necessitating adjustments in central areas.

Player	Reason for Suspension	Matches Left to Serve	Anticipated Return
Isi Palazón	post-match sanction	3	To be determined
Unai López Cabrera	accumulated yellow cards	1	To be determined

On the injury front, Álvaro García Rivera’s absence due to physical discomfort is expected to last about a week, which affects Vallecano’s attacking depth. With Luiz Felipe and Ilias Akhomach ruled out for the season, the squad’s options are further limited, particularly in defensive and wide areas.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Luiz Felipe	hamstring injury	Out for season
Ilias Akhomach	thigh injury	Out for season
Álvaro García Rivera	minor discomfort	About a week

Carlos Martín and Óscar Trejo are likely to be pivotal in filling the void left by the suspended and injured players. The tactical focus may shift towards a more conservative approach, with an emphasis on solidifying the midfield and relying on counter-attacks. Vallecano’s ability to adapt could be crucial in determining the match outcome, potentially influencing betting markets as they face a challenging fixture.

Rayo Vallecano Key Players

Rayo Vallecano’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer Jorge de Frutos, who has netted 10 goals this season. De Frutos, playing a pivotal role in the forward line, combines speed and technical skill to break through defensive lines and capitalise on scoring opportunities. His ability to exploit spaces and finish clinically makes him a constant threat to Deportivo Alavés’ defence.

In midfield, Óscar Trejo stands out as a key playmaker. His vision and passing accuracy are crucial in linking defence with attack, while Óscar Valentín provides the necessary defensive cover, disrupting opposition plays and regaining possession. The defensive line, marshalled by Florian Lejeune, offers stability and experience, crucial in maintaining solidity at the back. Lejeune’s aerial ability and composure under pressure are vital for Rayo Vallecano’s defensive strategy.

Expected lineup for Rayo Vallecano:

• Goalkeeper: Augusto Batalla
• Defence: Pathé Ciss, Pep Chavarría, Florian Lejeune, Andrei Rațiu
• Midfield: Óscar Trejo, Carlos Martín, Óscar Valentín
• Forward: Jorge de Frutos, Alexandre Zurawski, Sergio Camello

The tactical impact of these players is significant. De Frutos’ attacking instincts will likely force Deportivo Alavés to adopt a more cautious approach, while Trejo’s creativity in midfield could dictate the tempo of the game. Meanwhile, the defensive resilience of Lejeune will be essential in thwarting any counter-attacks. Rayo Vallecano’s strengths lie in their balanced squad, with key players capable of influencing both offensive and defensive phases of play.

Rayo Vallecano Tactics and Formation

Rayo Vallecano Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Jorge de Frutos
• Midfield Pivot: Óscar Trejo and Óscar Valentín
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High press and quick transitions.

Rayo Vallecano utilise a 4-3-3 formation under coach Íñigo Pérez, providing a balanced approach between defence and attack. The midfield, led by Óscar Trejo and Óscar Valentín, is pivotal in maintaining possession and transitioning play. This trio supports a front line featuring Jorge de Frutos, who has netted 10 goals this season, making him a key attacking threat.

Defensively, the back four of Pathé Ciss, Pep Chavarría, Florian Lejeune, and Andrei Rațiu, anchored by goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, have contributed to Rayo’s impressive defensive record with three clean sheets in their last five outings. This stability at the back provides a solid platform for the team to build upon.

Offensively, Rayo Vallecano’s strategy revolves around a high pressing game and swift transitions, exploiting spaces left by the opposition. This approach has been effective, as evidenced by their recent 2-0 victory over Villarreal, where they managed to control possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.

Deportivo Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano H2H Record

In their head-to-head record, Rayo Vallecano slightly edge Deportivo Alavés with 11 wins to Alavés’ 10, and there have been 2 draws. The last encounter saw Alavés triumph 2-0 in the Copa del Rey, showcasing their ability to perform in knockout matches.

In LaLiga, the last meeting was a narrow 1-0 victory for Rayo Vallecano at home in October 2025. Alavés will be keen to turn the tables at Estadio Mendizorroza, where they last hosted Vallecano in March 2025, but suffered a 0-2 defeat. Historically, Alavés have been strong at home, but recent results suggest a more balanced contest.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Deportivo Alavés	Rayo Vallecano	2 – 0	Copa del Rey	2026-01-14
Rayo Vallecano	Deportivo Alavés	1 – 0	LaLiga	2025-10-26
Deportivo Alavés	Rayo Vallecano	0 – 2	LaLiga	2025-03-29
Rayo Vallecano	Deportivo Alavés	1 – 0	LaLiga	2024-10-26
Deportivo Alavés	Rayo Vallecano	1 – 0	LaLiga	2024-03-10