Rayo Vallecano vs Osasuna prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 24 January 2026
One of the matches of La Liga's 21st round will take place on Saturday at the "Vallecas" stadium in Madrid, where local side Rayo Vallecano will host Osasuna. I’m offering a prediction on the outcome of this clash, with solid chances for success.
Match preview
Rayo Vallecano continues to struggle offensively—just 16 goals in 20 rounds. Nevertheless, Iñigo Pérez’s team is staying afloat thanks to disciplined defending and a string of draws, especially at home, where they've only lost once. With six draws in nine matches at "Vallecas," the club is essentially keeping itself out of the relegation zone.
Heading into the match, Rayo is dealing with personnel issues: Mumin and Méndez are injured, Mandi is suspended, and the participation of Ratiu, Camello, and Balliu is in doubt. On the positive side, Óscar Valentín returns to the lineup, and new signing Ilias Akhomach could make his debut. The team is clearly looking to snap its inconsistency and get back to winning ways—the opponent is, on one hand, convenient, but on the other, stubborn.
Osasuna sits one spot above in the table and also has 22 points, but their away record is dismal—just two points from ten games on the road. Alessio Lisci’s squad has only managed three goals in all their away fixtures. Last round’s win over Oviedo lifted spirits somewhat, but the situation remains concerning.
The club is out of the Copa del Rey and can now fully focus on La Liga, where the battle for survival is intensifying. Against Rayo, suspended Alejandro Catena will miss out, but Jon Moncayola returns to the squad. The main hope remains Ante Budimir, who has already netted eight goals this season, including a brace in the previous match.
Probable lineups
- Rayo Vallecano: Batalla, Balliu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarría, López, Valentín, A. García, Palazón, Martín, De Frutos
- Osasuna: Herrera, Rosier, Boyomo, Errando, Galán, Moncayola, Torró, Muñoz, Oroz, Rubén García, Budimir
Match facts and head-to-head
- Osasuna has not won an away fixture in La Liga this season (0-2-8).
- Rayo has won their last three home matches against Osasuna.
- Rayo has lost only one home match in La Liga this season.
Prediction
Neither side is prolific in attack, but both look far from doomed. Rayo is almost unbeatable at home, while Osasuna is especially weak on the road. Still, the teams are evenly matched, motivation is high, and player form is inconsistent. Expect a tense, low-scoring encounter, with Rayo Vallecano just edging closer to three points. But it’s wiser to play it safe.
