Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Lineups August 2026 – A 97th-minute penalty defeat in their opening match has given Rayo Vallecano extra motivation as they prepare for their first home game of the new LaLiga season against Alaves in the second week.

The match is scheduled to take place at Estadio de Vallecas on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 21:00 local time.

The visitors arrive with high confidence after securing a convincing victory over Getafe. However, travelling to Vallecas will certainly present a different challenge. Moreover, the head-to-head record between the two sides is enough to make Alaves uncomfortable.

Now, before the match begins, let us take a look at Mansion Sports' prediction for the Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves lineups in August 2026 below!

Conditions of Both Teams Ahead of the Match

Rayo Vallecano

Rayo's opening match of the season ended in disappointment despite their promising start. Alvaro Garcia put them ahead in the fourth minute before Jon Guridi's 52nd-minute penalty brought Sevilla level.

A second penalty in the 97th minute, awarded despite Sevilla having been reduced to 10 men shortly beforehand, allowed the hosts to claim all three points in a 2-1 defeat. The result was certainly a blow for Beñat San José's side.

Returning to Estadio de Vallecas for their first home match of the season, Rayo have a fairly solid record from the 2025-26 campaign. They finished eighth in La Liga with 50 points, scoring 41 goals throughout the season and conceding 44.

The head-to-head record against their opponents on Thursday could also provide additional confidence. Rayo have won four of the last five meetings between the two clubs.

Alaves are the only team to have secured the other victory. In addition, Rayo have won their last four home matches against Alaves without conceding a single goal.

Alaves

Meanwhile, Alaves began their new campaign with a positive result. They were able to take advantage of Getafe's misfortune after Kiko Femenia was sent off shortly before half-time while the match was still goalless.

Three second-half goals allowed Quique Sánchez Flores' side to secure a comfortable victory in their opening match and claim maximum points from their first game.

The Basque club finished 14th last season with 43 points. They also experienced defensive problems after conceding 56 goals throughout the campaign.

Throughout last season, they recorded only four victories and suffered 11 defeats in away matches.

The visitors have not won at Estadio de Vallecas since 2018, when they recorded an emphatic 5-1 victory.

The latest meeting between the two sides took place in May, when Rayo secured a 2-1 away victory to complete a league double over Alaves. The only blemish on that record was Alaves' victory in the Copa del Rey.

Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alaves Lineups August 2026

Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1)

Regarding Rayo Vallecano's squad condition, they will enter Thursday's match without Luiz Felipe, who has been sidelined for around four months with a hamstring problem. Meanwhile, Marash Kumbulla remains doubtful and could be unavailable.

Rayo have also been active in the summer transfer market, although much of their activity has involved player departures.

Chelsea paid around £16.3 million to sign full-back Pep Chavarria, while Hull City secured the services of defender Nobel Mendy for £19.7 million. This situation has left Sanchez working with a squad that has undergone significant changes.

Augusto Batalla is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup despite his team's defeat in the opening match. Sergio Camello will lead the hosts' attack.

Alaves (3-5-2)

Meanwhile, regarding Alaves' squad condition, they could travel to Vallecas with a fully fit squad, with Lucas Boye having returned from injury.

After failing to score in La Liga during the previous four seasons, Mariano Diaz immediately made an impact after coming off the bench against Getafe. He scored a goal and provided assists for Alaves' other two goals after entering the match with 33 minutes remaining.

That impact will almost certainly earn Diaz a starting place on Thursday. The Dominican Republic international is expected to lead the attack alongside Toni Martinez.

Rayo Vallecano will certainly want to take advantage of the support at Estadio de Vallecas to secure their first victory of the season. The dramatic defeat in their opening match has made three points an important target for the home side.

On the other hand, Alaves arrive with the confidence of a convincing victory and a positive performance in their first match. Nevertheless, their record at Vallecas remains unfavorable.

With both teams possessing strong motivation, the lineups selected by Beñat San José and Quique Sánchez Flores will be one of the key factors in determining the outcome of this match.