Rayo Vallecano vs Espanyol prediction 15.09.2026 | La Liga

After two consecutive eighth-place finishes in La Liga, Rayo Vallecano hopes for another similar season. However, with significant changes this summer, the team from Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas seems much closer to the relegation zone. The opening five La Liga rounds weren't encouraging, as Rayo Vallecano have collected only four points so far. However, they have already met two of Spain's strongest teams and, with an easier schedule, will likely pick up more points. In the previous game, Rayo Vallecano lost 4-1 on the road against Real Madrid. The hosts dominated, especially in the first half, and Beñat San José's team never had a real chance for points at Santiago Bernabéu.

Rayo Vallecano's head coach, Beñat San José, took responsibility for a big defeat in the previous league round. He said, "A 3-0 scoreline in the first half is very tough. We started well, but it's true that the penalty affected us a lot, regardless of whether it was one or not. A mistake when playing out from the back is punished against a team where every player is lethal. As a coach, I made the mistake of exposing the team too much by pressing high, and sometimes it is difficult to find those passes between the lines."

Randy Nteka, Isaac Palazon, Jozhua Vertrouwd, Luiz Felipe, and Augusto Batalla are injured and will miss the upcoming tie.

Since returning to La Liga two years ago, Espanyol has had problems avoiding relegation in both seasons. However, the pundits see the team from Barcelona more as a mid-table team in the 2026/27 season. Espanyol started well, collecting seven points from the first five matches. In the previous game, they won 2-0 on the road against Osasuna. The teams were pretty even that time, but the visitors' significantly better efficiency was enough for all three points.

After a big victory in Pamplona, Espanyol's head coach, Manolo Gonzalez, was very satisfied. He commented, "It was a good match at a very tough stadium to come to. We have to try to go for the win every time. That's always our goal, and from there, we need to show maturity and composure. We have to improve the team day by day, step by step. That's what we're missing. Winning away from home in the Primera División is very hard."

Espanyol will be without Kike Garcia, Andoni Gorosabel, and Javi Puado on Tuesday in Vallecas.