Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid: Madrid Derby Preview

Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid: A Crucial Madrid Derby Looms

The Spanish capital is set for another thrilling encounter as Rayo Vallecano prepares to host their city rivals, Atletico Madrid, at the Estadio de Vallecas on Sunday. This La Liga fixture, scheduled for February 15, 2026, pits a struggling Rayo side against an in-form Atletico outfit looking to solidify their league position and carry momentum from their Copa del Rey exploits.

Rayo Vallecano's Battle Against the Drop

Last season's eighth-place finish and Conference League qualification seem a distant memory for Inigo Perez's Rayo Vallecano. The 2025-26 campaign has been a stark contrast, with the Vallecas club currently languishing in 18th place. With only 22 points from 22 matches, Rayo finds themselves in the precarious relegation zone, a single point adrift of safety.

Recent form has done little to inspire confidence. Rayo have suffered three consecutive league defeats, falling to Celta Vigo, Osasuna, and most recently, Real Madrid. Their last league outing was a 2-1 loss to Los Blancos on February 1st. A scheduled match against Real Oviedo last weekend was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, meaning Rayo has a game in hand but also a significant lack of recent competitive action.

At home, Rayo's record is mixed. While they've managed only two wins in ten league games this season, they've also been difficult to beat, suffering just two defeats. Six draws highlight their ability to frustrate opponents, but converting these stalemates into victories will be key to their survival hopes.

Atletico Madrid's Dual Pursuit

Atletico Madrid arrives at the Estadio de Vallecas buoyed by a sensational 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. This dominant performance has put Diego Simeone's side in a commanding position to reach the final, showcasing their potent attacking capabilities.

Domestically, Atletico remains in a strong position, sitting third in the La Liga table. While a title challenge seems unlikely, with a 13-point gap to leaders Barcelona, their primary objective remains securing a Champions League spot. They are currently level on points with fourth-placed Villarreal, although Villarreal has a game in hand. A comfortable seven-point cushion separates them from fifth-placed Real Betis, with both teams having played 23 matches.

However, Atletico's league form has seen a slight wobble. They suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Real Betis in their last league outing, a result they will be keen to rectify in this Madrid derby. The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Atletico emerge victorious with a 3-2 win, though their corresponding visit to Vallecas last season ended in a 1-1 draw.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Rayo Vallecano faces significant challenges on the injury and suspension front. Abdul Mumin is sidelined with a knee injury. Furthermore, Pep Chavarria and Pathe Ciss are both suspended after receiving red cards in their previous match against Real Madrid. Unai Lopez and Diego Mendez will undergo late fitness tests to determine their availability.

Despite these absences, Alvaro Garcia remains a key attacking threat and is expected to feature prominently. Oscar Valentin and Luiz Felipe are potential replacements for the suspended Chavarria and Ciss, aiming to bolster the midfield and defence respectively.

Rayo Vallecano Possible Starting Lineup: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Felipe; Valentin, Gumbau; Akhomach, Palazon, A Garcia; De Frutos

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, continues to be without the services of Johnny Cardoso and Pablo Barrios due to muscular injuries. The team emerged from their Copa del Rey clash unscathed, but there will be a guaranteed recall for first-choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Players who impressed against Barcelona could retain their spots, with Nahuel Molina likely to continue at right-back and Antoine Griezmann expected to feature in the attacking third after his strong performance.

Atletico Madrid Possible Starting Lineup: Oblak; Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Koke, Lookman; Griezmann, Alvarez

Match Prediction

The Estadio de Vallecas has proven to be a low-scoring venue this season, with Rayo Vallecano's home league games averaging just 1.7 goals. This suggests that Sunday's derby is unlikely to be a goal-fest. While Rayo's recent struggles are evident, they possess the capability to make life difficult for Atletico, particularly on home turf.

However, Atletico Madrid's superior quality and their current form, especially after their midweek triumph, give them the edge. Despite their recent league setback, Simeone's side is well-drilled and possesses the firepower to find a breakthrough.

Our Verdict: Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Atletico Madrid

We anticipate a tight contest, with Atletico Madrid ultimately securing a narrow victory to boost their top-four aspirations and maintain their impressive Copa del Rey momentum.