Rayo Vallecano vs Elche CF 24 October 2026 Prediction

Rayo Vallecano’s first official match back at Vallecas after a long break was interrupted by fan protests against Athletic Club. Rayo will return to the stadium to face Elche, but one stand will be closed following the incident.

Rayo Vallecano Has Gone Eight Straight Games Without a Clean Sheet

Beñat San José’s side remains inconsistent. After beating Espanyol 2-1, Rayo drew 1-1 with Osasuna and then 1-1 with Getafe. Against Getafe, Rayo took the lead and later gained a man advantage, but still conceded an equalizer. They generated 2.25 expected goals (xG) without finding a second goal. Rayo has now conceded in eight straight games, a concern ahead of a match against an Elche side whose results are improving.

Rayo also has injury concerns. Starting goalkeeper Augusto Batalla is recovering from a serious injury, while defender Luiz Felipe remains sidelined. Andrei Ratiu is questionable after sustaining a muscle injury while with Romania, as is forward Randy Nteka. Pathe Ciss, however, is available: the fifth yellow card he received against Getafe was rescinded on October 21.

Elche’s Results Are Improving

Elche has begun picking up points after a difficult start. Martín Anselmi’s side went winless in its first six league games but took five points from the next three. Its defending has improved. Elche beat Espanyol 3-1 despite an early red card, then recorded scoreless draws against Celta and Villarreal. After conceding 16 goals in the first six rounds, Elche has allowed just one in its last three games.

Midfielder Marc Aguado is Elche’s main absence. He injured ankle ligaments against Villarreal and was substituted in the first half. He is expected to miss four to six weeks. Iago Santiago is nearing the end of his recovery from a knee injury and could return to the squad for the next match.

Rayo Vallecano vs Elche Predicted Lineup

Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Audero; Balliu, Lejeune, Sadiq, Pedrosa; Ciss, U. López; de Frutos, Palazón, Á. García; Camello.

Injuries and availability: Luiz Felipe, Batalla (out); Ratiu, Nteka (questionable).

Manager: Beñat San José.

Elche (4-2-3-1): Dituro; Sangaré, Chust, Redondo, Revivo; Villar, Morcillo; Cepeda, Lemar, Valera; Niño.

Out: Aguado (injury).

Manager: Martín Anselmi.

Rayo Vallecano vs Elche Prediction: Rayo Vallecano to Win at 1.76

Main pick: Elche’s away results have been better than its underlying performances. In five away games, it has outperformed its opponents on xG only twice: against Deportivo (1-1) and Espanyol (3-1). Villarreal and Athletic Club created more chances in their draws with Elche but did not convert them. Elche’s only away loss came against newly promoted Racing (2-3). Rayo, meanwhile, took seven points from three designated home games played at Butarque. Back at Vallecas, Rayo has won its last four home meetings with Elche across all competitions. The pick is Rayo Vallecano to win at 1.76.

Goals pick: Rayo regularly creates chances but also gives opponents opportunities. Both teams have scored in all eight of Rayo’s league games this season. The same bet has landed in four of Elche’s five away games. Despite Elche’s recent defensive improvement, both teams to score: yes at 1.79 is the secondary pick.