Strasbourg vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction 07.05.2026 | UEFA Conference League

RC Strasbourg Alsace approach this historic second-leg semi-final standing on the brink of reaching their first-ever European final, although they will need to summon the same spirit of defiance that previously saw them overturn a two-goal deficit at Stade de la Meinau in the previous round.

Encouragingly ahead of Thursday’s decisive 90 minutes, the Alsatians have transformed their home ground into a continental fortress during the 2025-26 campaign, remarkably remaining unbeaten in Alsace throughout their debut UEFA Europa Conference League run, posting a W3 D3 record in front of their own supporters.

Despite suffering a narrow 2-1 domestic setback against Toulouse over the weekend, a match in which several key figures were rested, Le Racing remain buoyed by their impressive attacking output on home soil, most notably demonstrated in their commanding 4-0 demolition of Mainz 05 in their most recent knockout appearance in Alsace.

However, head coach Gary O'Neil faces a number of selection concerns, with leading forward Emanuel Emegha a doubt after picking up a hamstring issue in the closing stages against Toulouse, while the Argentine trio of Aaron Anselmino, Valentin Barco and Joaquin Panichelli remain sidelined through injury.

Rayo Vallecano travel to Alsace on the brink of a potential fairytale conclusion to only their second-ever European campaign, having secured a slender 1-0 advantage in the first leg thanks to a well-taken header from Alemao.

The side led by Inigo Perez have emerged as one of the competition’s most pleasant surprises, and they further strengthened their growing confidence with a routine 2-0 victory over Getafe in domestic action at the weekend, a result that also highlighted their improving defensive structure, as it marked a third clean sheet in their last four outings.

At the same time, it is worth noting that the Franjirrojos have been far less convincing away from the Madrid suburbs this season, reflected in a disappointing return of just two wins from their last 10 matches on the road across all competitions, losing six of those fixtures.

In terms of team news, experienced winger Alvaro Garcia picked up a muscle injury in the second leg against AEK Athens in mid-April, and having missed the following four matches, his availability for Thursday’s clash remains uncertain.