Match Information
Match Overview
Rayo Vallecano welcome Girona to Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas on May 11 for a crucial Regular Season Round 35 encounter that could prove pivotal in both teams' La Liga campaigns. With the season entering its final stretch, this fixture carries significant weight as both sides look to secure their respective objectives in the remaining matches.
The contrasting recent form between these two sides presents the most compelling narrative heading into this encounter. Rayo Vallecano arrive in excellent spirits, having secured impressive victories in their last three La Liga outings, including a convincing 2-0 away triumph at Getafe on May 3. Under Inigo Perez's guidance, the Madrid-based outfit has demonstrated remarkable consistency, collecting seven points from their last three league matches while maintaining their attacking threat. Their current 11th position in the table reflects a solid campaign, and this strong finish could see them climb even higher before the season concludes.
In stark contrast, Girona find themselves in a precarious situation that demands immediate improvement. Sitting in 16th position, the visiting side has endured a torrid run of form that has seen them collect just one point from their last four La Liga matches. Their recent 1-0 home defeat to Mallorca on May 1 extended a worrying streak that has included losses to Valencia and Real Betis, raising concerns about their ability to maintain their top-flight status. The pressure is mounting on the Catalan club to arrest this slide before it becomes irreversible.
Fortunately for both managers, injury concerns are minimal heading into this fixture. Rayo Vallecano report no injury absentees, allowing Inigo Perez the luxury of selecting from his full squad. This availability extends to key players like Sergio Camello and Gerard Gumbau, who have been instrumental in their recent upturn in form. Similarly, Girona have no reported injuries, meaning they can call upon their strongest available lineup as they seek to halt their disappointing run.
The timing of this encounter, coming in Round 35, amplifies its significance as both teams look to finish the campaign on a positive note, albeit with vastly different motivations driving their respective ambitions.
Predicted Lineups
Rayo Vallecano
Gazzaniga; Arnau Martínez, David López, Blind, Álex Moreno; Iván Martín, Fran Beltrán; Tsygankov, Echeverri, Bryan Gil; Ba
Girona
Batalla; Balliu, Lejeune, Mendy, Vertrouwd; Ciss, Gumbau; de Frutos, Camello, Pacha; Alemão
Team Form Analysis
Rayo Vallecano
League Position: 11Rayo Vallecano Form Analysis
For full statistical context, check out the Rayo Vallecano vs Girona prediction.
Rayo Vallecano enter this fixture riding a wave of confidence that stems from their impressive recent La Liga performances. Their current run has yielded seven points from nine available in their last three league encounters, highlighted by dominant victories over Getafe and Espanyol, complemented by an entertaining 3-3 draw with Real Sociedad on April 26. This consistent output demonstrates the tactical acumen of Inigo Perez, who has successfully instilled a winning mentality within his squad during the crucial closing stages of the campaign.
Offensively, the Madrid outfit has been particularly impressive, scoring six goals across their last three league fixtures while maintaining their characteristic attacking verve. The 3-3 thriller against Real Sociedad showcased their ability to compete with quality opposition, while the clean sheet victory at Getafe on May 3 highlighted their tactical discipline away from home. Their European exploits have also provided valuable experience, with recent matches against Strasbourg and AEK Athens demonstrating their ability to compete on multiple fronts. This exposure to high-pressure situations in continental competition could prove beneficial as they navigate the final stages of their domestic campaign, particularly given the intensity that typically characterizes late-season La Liga encounters.
Girona
League Position: 16Girona Form Analysis
Girona's recent form presents a concerning picture that has placed them in an increasingly precarious position as the season approaches its conclusion. The Catalan side has managed just one point from their last four La Liga outings, a sequence that began with their creditable 1-1 draw away to Real Madrid on April 10 but has since deteriorated significantly. Subsequent defeats to Real Betis, Valencia, and most recently Mallorca have raised serious questions about their ability to maintain their top-flight status.
The attacking struggles have been particularly evident during this poor run, with the team failing to find the net in two of their last four league encounters. Their 1-0 home victory over Villarreal on April 6 now appears as an isolated bright spot in an otherwise troubling sequence of results. Defensively, they have shown vulnerability, conceding six goals across their last three league matches while failing to keep a single clean sheet. The 2-3 home defeat to Real Betis on April 21 was particularly disappointing, as it demonstrated their inability to protect leads and close out matches effectively. With their 16th position in the table leaving little margin for error, the visiting side desperately needs to rediscover their earlier season form to ensure their La Liga survival remains in their own hands.
Head-to-Head
Rayo Vallecano
Girona
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-15 | Girona | 1 - 3 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2025-01-26 | Rayo Vallecano | 2 - 1 | Girona |
| 2024-09-25 | Girona | 0 - 0 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2024-02-26 | Girona | 3 - 0 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2024-01-17 | Girona | 3 - 1 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2023-11-11 | Rayo Vallecano | 1 - 2 | Girona |
| 2023-03-18 | Rayo Vallecano | 2 - 2 | Girona |
| 2022-12-29 | Girona | 2 - 2 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2022-01-15 | Girona | 1 - 2 | Rayo Vallecano |
| 2021-06-20 | Girona | 0 - 2 | Rayo Vallecano |
Memorable Matches
The recent history between these two sides has produced several captivating encounters that highlight the competitive nature of this fixture. The reverse meeting on August 15, 2025, delivered a thrilling spectacle as Rayo Vallecano secured a commanding 3-1 victory at Girona's home ground, demonstrating their ability to perform effectively away from Madrid. This result continued a pattern of entertaining contests between these teams, with goals flowing freely whenever they meet.
Perhaps the most memorable recent encounter came in January 2025 when Rayo Vallecano edged a closely-fought 2-1 victory at Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, showcasing the home advantage that the Madrid club often enjoys in this fixture. The tactical battle and competitive intensity displayed in that match exemplified why this fixture consistently delivers drama. Their September 2024 meeting produced a goalless stalemate that proved to be the exception rather than the rule, as most encounters between these sides have featured multiple goals and decisive moments that have swung matches in either direction.
Venue Factor
Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas has long been recognized as one of La Liga's most atmospheric venues, and Rayo Vallecano will be hoping their passionate home support can provide the crucial edge in this important encounter. The intimate nature of the stadium creates an intense environment that has historically favored the home team, particularly during crucial late-season fixtures when every point carries additional significance. The proximity of the fans to the pitch generates an electric atmosphere that can intimidate visiting teams while simultaneously inspiring the home players to raise their performance levels.
Rayo Vallecano's recent home form has been solid, as evidenced by their victories over Strasbourg and Espanyol in recent weeks, along with their entertaining draw with Real Sociedad. The familiarity with their home surroundings and the support of their devoted fanbase could prove decisive against a Girona side that has struggled for consistency on their travels. For the visitors, adapting to the unique atmosphere at Vallecas will be crucial if they are to arrest their recent slide and claim valuable points in their fight for La Liga survival.
Injury Concerns
Rayo Vallecano
Girona
