Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano prediction 12.09.2026 | LaLiga

Madrid have taken nine points from their opening four matches, with their most impressive league results coming against Real Sociedad (4-1) and Málaga (4-0), complemented by a narrow 2-1 victory over Espanyol.

The Real Betis defeat, however, was particularly frustrating because Madrid created opportunities but failed to convert, with Kylian Mbappé also missing a stoppage-time penalty. 

In terms of personnel, Madrid continue to deal with several injuries. Eder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo were among the absentees against Betis, while Tchouaméni, Endrick, Raúl Asencio and Thiago were also unavailable at that stage. 

Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler were expected to be available for the Rayo fixture after being suspended for the Champions League opener.

Rayo have experienced a mixed opening, currently sitting in the lower half of the league table, with a particularly poor away record of two defeats from two. 

Their latest 3-2 victory over Racing was encouraging, however. Sergio Camello scored twice and provided an assist, despite Rayo eventually being reduced to ten men. Camello has therefore emerged as a major attacking threat, while Unai López has been particularly important creatively. 

Unfortunately for Beñat San José, Rayo travel to Madrid with significant selection problems. Jorge de Frutos and Fran Pérez are suspended, leaving the team without its two principal right-wing options.