Match Information
Match Overview
Matchday 38 brings Alaves and Rayo Vallecano to Estadio Mendizorrotza in what represents the final round of the regular La Liga season. With the title race and relegation battles reaching their climax, both teams find themselves in contrasting situations that will define their campaigns.
The most compelling narrative surrounding this encounter is the stark difference in league positions and recent momentum. Rayo Vallecano, sitting comfortably in 8th place under Inigo Perez, have positioned themselves well for a potential European qualification push, while Alaves at 14th under Quique Sanchez Flores are looking to consolidate their mid-table status. The visitors' superior league standing reflects their consistency throughout the campaign, making them formidable opponents for a home side seeking to end their season on a positive note.
Recent form tells a fascinating tale of two teams heading in opposite directions at this crucial juncture. Alaves have shown remarkable resilience with an impressive run that includes victories over Barcelona on May 13 and Oviedo on May 17, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion against quality opposition. Their only defeat in recent outings came against Athletic Club on May 2, but the manner of their response suggests a team with renewed confidence under Sanchez Flores' guidance.
The injury situation favors both managers, with neither team reporting any unavailable players for this crucial encounter. This means both Sanchez Flores and Perez can field their strongest possible lineups, potentially leading to tactical battles that could prove decisive. The full availability of squads adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be a closely contested affair.
With European implications potentially at stake for Rayo Vallecano and pride on the line for Alaves, this final day fixture carries significant weight despite neither team facing relegation concerns.
Predicted Lineups
Alaves
Antonio Sivera; Nahuel Tenaglia, Ville Koski, Victor Parada; Ángel Pérez, Jon Guridi, Antonio Blanco, Denis Suárez, Abderrahman Rebbach; Ibrahim Diabaté, Toni Martínez
Rayo Vallecano
Augusto Batalla; Andrei Rațiu, Pathé Ismaël Ciss, Florian Lejeune, Josep Chavarría; Unai López, Óscar Valentín; Jorge de Frutos, Óscar Trejo, Sergio Camello; Alemão
Team Form Analysis
Alaves
League Position: 14Alaves Form Analysis
Alaves have demonstrated remarkable character in their recent fixtures, showcasing the tactical acumen of Quique Sanchez Flores through a series of performances that highlight their resilience and attacking capabilities. Their recent run includes four wins from five matches, with only a heavy defeat to Athletic Club on May 2 disrupting an otherwise impressive sequence.
The standout result came on May 13 with their 1-0 victory over Barcelona at home, a performance that exemplified their ability to execute game plans against superior opposition. This victory, coupled with their away triumph at Oviedo on May 17, demonstrates a team that has found consistency in the final stretch of the season. Their attacking output has been measured but effective, finding ways to secure crucial goals when required.
Defensively, Alaves have shown improvement, particularly evident in their clean sheet against Barcelona and their ability to limit high-quality opposition. The 1-1 draw with Elche on May 9 and their 2-1 victory over Mallorca on April 25 further illustrate a team capable of grinding out results through different tactical approaches. Their recent form suggests a squad that has bought into Sanchez Flores' methods and is executing his tactical vision with increasing confidence and precision.
Rayo Vallecano
League Position: 8Rayo Vallecano Form Analysis
Rayo Vallecano under Inigo Perez have established themselves as one of La Liga's most consistent performers, with their recent form reflecting the tactical stability and organizational excellence that has characterized their campaign. Their latest run showcases a team comfortable in various match situations, demonstrated by their commanding 2-0 victory over Villarreal on May 17 and their resilient draws against quality opposition.
The victory against Villarreal highlighted their ability to control matches against teams of similar caliber, while their 1-1 draws with Valencia on May 14 and Girona on May 11 showcase their defensive resilience away from home. These results demonstrate a team that rarely loses matches they should win and consistently earns points in challenging fixtures, a hallmark of their eighth-place league position.
Particularly impressive is their continued involvement in European competition, with their May 7 victory over Strasbourg in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals indicating the depth and quality within their squad. This European participation, while potentially causing fatigue, also demonstrates the mental strength and tactical flexibility that Perez has instilled in his team. Their 2-0 victory at Getafe on May 3 further emphasizes their effectiveness in securing crucial away victories when stakes are highest.
Head-to-Head
Alaves
Rayo Vallecano
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-14 | Alaves | 2 - 0 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2025-10-26 | Rayo Vallecano | 1 - 0 | Alaves |
| 2025-03-29 | Alaves | 0 - 2 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2024-10-26 | Rayo Vallecano | 1 - 0 | Alaves |
| 2024-03-10 | Alaves | 1 - 0 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2023-09-15 | Rayo Vallecano | 2 - 0 | Alaves |
| 2022-04-16 | Alaves | 1 - 0 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2021-12-18 | Rayo Vallecano | 2 - 0 | Alaves |
| 2019-01-28 | Alaves | 0 - 1 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2018-09-22 | Rayo Vallecano | 1 - 5 | Alaves |
Memorable Matches
The recent history between these teams has produced several compelling encounters that highlight the competitive nature of this fixture. The most recent meeting on January 14 saw Alaves claim a convincing 2-0 home victory, demonstrating their capability to dominate Rayo Vallecano at Estadio Mendizorrotza. This result was particularly significant as it reversed the pattern established in their previous encounter on October 26, 2025, when Rayo Vallecano secured a narrow 1-0 away victory.
One of the most memorable clashes in recent years occurred on September 22, 2018, when Alaves produced a stunning 5-1 away victory at Rayo Vallecano, a result that stands out for its emphatic nature and the attacking display it represented. This match demonstrated the unpredictable nature of this fixture, where tactical preparation and execution can lead to unexpected outcomes regardless of form or league position.
The head-to-head record reveals a competitive rivalry with both teams capable of securing victories, though Rayo Vallecano have held a slight edge in recent encounters before Alaves' January victory.
Venue Factor
Estadio Mendizorrotza has traditionally provided Alaves with a significant advantage in this fixture, most recently demonstrated by their comprehensive 2-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in January. The intimate atmosphere and passionate support from the home crowd creates an environment that has proven conducive to Alaves' tactical approach under Quique Sanchez Flores.
The venue's characteristics suit Alaves' style of play, particularly their ability to press high and create an intense tempo that can unsettle visiting teams. Their recent home form, highlighted by the victory over Barcelona, suggests that Estadio Mendizorrotza remains a fortress where they can execute their game plans effectively against quality opposition.
For Rayo Vallecano, their away form this season has been respectable, but the specific challenges posed by Alaves' home ground cannot be understated. The compact nature of the stadium and the proximity of supporters to the pitch creates an atmosphere that can influence crucial moments in matches. However, Inigo Perez's team has shown resilience in away fixtures throughout the campaign, suggesting they possess the mental fortitude to handle the hostile environment and execute their tactical approach effectively.
Injury Concerns
Alaves
Rayo Vallecano
