Rayo Vallecano
Deportivo Alavés
>Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alavés Predictions, Picks & Odds – 20/08/2026
La Liga · 2Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alavés – Best bets of the match
Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alavés Preview
Rayo Vallecano begin the new campaign in unusual circumstances, forced to host this fixture at Butarque after safety concerns rendered Estadio de Vallecas temporarily unfit. Despite that disruption, Iñigo Pérez's side carry genuine momentum, having won their final three matches of last season to finish sixth. Isi Palazón is available after his ban was provisionally suspended, while Álvaro García has returned to full training. Ilias Akhomach's adductor problem could see Fran Perez deputise on the flank.
Deportivo Alavés arrive in Madrid with mixed recent form, picking up two wins and a draw from their last five outings but also suffering a pair of defeats along the way. That inconsistency saw them finish fourteenth, and another relegation battle looks plausible if early-season results do not improve. Their preference for patient build-up play from deep could prove problematic against Rayo's aggressive pressing style, particularly in a compact venue like Butarque where the hosts will look to suffocate possession.
Rayo closed last season in superb form, winning three of their final five matches and finishing sixth. That momentum, combined with a dominant head-to-head record of nine victories in the last thirteen meetings against Alavés, makes the double chance selection at 2.25 a sensible route. Alavés, by contrast, ended the previous term with inconsistent results and sit eight places below their hosts.
The return of Isi Palazón following the provisional suspension of his ban is significant. His creativity will stretch an Alavés side that prefers to build patiently from deep, a style Rayo's compact pressing has historically exploited. Álvaro García is also available, giving Iñigo Pérez attacking options even if Ilias Akhomach fails to recover from his adductor problem.
A low-scoring affair looks probable given both sides' tactical tendencies. Rayo's aggressive shape tends to stifle opponents while limiting open play, so backing under 2.5 goals at 1.44 complements the primary pick. The hosts should avoid defeat here, whether they grind out a narrow win or settle for a point at their temporary home.
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Trends to Know about Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alavés
- Rayo won nine of last thirteen meetings
- Three wins in final five for Rayo
- Alavés lost once in recent five outings
Form & Statistics: Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alavés
Rayo Vallecano
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Deportivo Alavés
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alavés: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alavés Match?
What time is Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alavés?
Rayo Vallecano host Deportivo Alavés on Thursday 20 August 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 BST.
Where is Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alavés being played?
This match will be played at Butarque, Leganés' ground, rather than Rayo's usual Estadio de Vallecas.
How Can I Watch Rayo Vallecano vs Deportivo Alavés on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings for La Liga broadcast details in your region.