LaLiga Preview: Rayo Vallecano Host Osasuna in Mid-Table Clash
On January 24, 2026, Rayo Vallecano will host Osasuna at Vallecas Stadium for a LaLiga EA Sports fixture. Both teams are closely matched in the standings, eager to secure a mid-table position and create distance from the relegation zone. Given their inconsistent recent form and injury concerns, the outcome of this match will be crucial for their season trajectories.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This LaLiga Matchday 21 fixture will take place at Vallecas Stadium in Madrid, with hosts Rayo Vallecano facing Osasuna. For Rayo Vallecano, this marks their fifth consecutive season in Spain's top flight, alongside participation in the Copa del Rey and UEFA Conference League this season. As of January 20-21, 2026, Rayo Vallecano sits 13th in the LaLiga standings with 22 points from 20 matches (5 wins, 7 draws, 8 losses). Visiting side Osasuna is just ahead in 12th place, also on 22 points, but with a slightly better record (6 wins, 4 draws, 10 losses). With only goal difference separating them, a victory in this direct encounter would provide either team valuable breathing room in the competitive mid-table and a buffer from the relegation zone. LaLiga's format sees the top five teams qualify for the UEFA Champions League, while the bottom three are relegated to LaLiga 2.
Recent Form
Rayo Vallecano's recent form has been inconsistent. In their last five official matches, they have recorded two wins, two draws, and one loss. Their most recent league outing was a 0-3 away defeat to Celta Vigo, preceded by a 2-1 home victory against Mallorca. Before that, they drew 1-1 with Getafe, secured a dominant 4-0 win over Elche, and held Real Betis to a 0-0 draw. Osasuna's form has also been patchy, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five outings. Their most recent match was a thrilling 3-2 home victory against Real Oviedo, which followed a 0-1 away loss to Girona. Prior to that, they drew 1-1 with Athletic Club, defeated Alavés 3-0, and suffered a 0-2 defeat to Barcelona.
Key Players & Injury News
Rayo Vallecano is grappling with significant injury and suspension issues. Center-back Nobel Mendy is suspended due to a red card, while Abdul Mumin is out with an injury. Defenders Luiz Felipe and Andrei Rațiu are expected to return from muscle and hamstring injuries in early February 2026. Midfielder Unai López, defender Iván Balliu, and forward Sergio Camello are all doubtful due to physical discomfort or an ankle injury. Additionally, forward Jorge de Frutos is also sidelined until early February with a knee injury. Key players for Rayo Vallecano include Álvaro García, who has scored 9 goals overall this season, and captain Óscar Trejo. Osasuna appears to have fewer critical recent injury concerns. Forward Víctor Muñoz has recovered from an ankle injury and demonstrated his fitness by scoring the winning goal in their last match. While Valentín Rosier's hamstring injury was initially projected for a late December 2025 return, previous reports indicated it 'looked bad,' so his availability for this match remains uncertain. Osasuna's key attacking threats include Raúl Garcia and Ante Budimir, both with 10 goals each. Budimir also found the net in their most recent fixture.