Pathé Sis will be absent from the squad to face Rayo Vallecano and Valencia due to expulsion, while Issy Palazón will not participate due to suspension after accumulating cards, which increases the number of major absences for the team led by Iñigo Perez. These injuries, in addition to those of Abdelmoumen, Diego Mendes, Oscar Trejo and Pedro Diaz, as well as doubts about the availability of Randy Ntika, create a negative outlook for the Madrid team. According to what was reported by Europa Press, the Vallecas team faces the conclusion of the fourteenth day of the EA Sports Spanish League on Monday, searching for a victory that will give it a greater distance from relegation or allow it to get closer to the European positions.
The distance separating Rayo Vallecano from the relegation zone and the places that allow access to continental competitions are identical: five points representing the margin between calm and greater ambition. According to Europa Press, the match against Valencia is being presented as an opportunity for Iñigo Pérez’s men to reverse the negative trend that has prevailed in recent weeks. The team arrives after three consecutive days without winning in the Spanish League, in addition to suffering the latest European setback, with a 2-1 defeat against Slovan Bratislava in the Conference League, a result that demonstrated the current difficulties of the team.
In the domestic tournament, Rayo Vallecano suffered a heavy defeat to Villarreal 4-0, followed by two goalless draws, first at home to Real Madrid and then in their visit to Real Oviedo. Europe Press explained that this series of results reinforces the urgency with which the Madrid club approaches the match against Valencia, aware that a victory may allow it to distance itself from the danger zone or maintain hope of approaching the top of the standings.
On the visiting side, Valencia faces today with some optimism after breaking a negative series on the previous date. According to information from Europa Press, the team led by Carlos Corberan beat Levante 1-0 in the Mestalla, ending a seven-game winless streak of four defeats and three draws in La Liga. This victory allowed Valencia to increase its relegation lead to two points and reach thirteen points in the standings.
Regarding the players available for commitment, Europa Press reported that Valencia were only lost due to an injury to Mouctar Diakhaby, who remains ruled out due to hamstring pain. The rest of the players are in position to be called up, including Larji Ramazani, whose full recovery will qualify him to be part of the squad against Rayo Vallecano. The club arrives with the potential to build on the momentum gained in the derby and move away from dangerous situations more consistently.
The event is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. At Vallecas Stadium, the match will be officiated by Alberola Rojas. According to Europa Press, the two teams arrive needing to adjust the course of their season on a day that may be decisive for their goals. Rayo Vallecano, which currently has 16 points, is equivalent to the difference between relegation and the places that grant qualification to European competitions. For its part, Valencia is seeking to consolidate its performance after the recent victory and strengthen its safer position in the rankings.
Europa Press stressed that the meeting will be an opportunity for both the Madrid team and the Valencia club to transform their needs into tangible progress in the Spanish League. The result will determine whether anyone will be able to gain momentum and turn around a season that has so far been characterized by irregularity and the pressure of being so close to the relegation zone.