Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal Match Preview: La Liga Showdown

Match context

Rayo Vallecano host Villarreal at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, Madrid, on 17 May 2026 in La Liga Regular Season - 37. Rayo arrive 10th on 44 points with a goal difference of -6, while Villarreal sit 3rd on 69 points with a goal difference of 24.

Rayo Vallecano availability

Rayo face a lengthy absentee list. Ilias Akhomach (Muscle Injury) is sidelined. Luiz Felipe (Injury) is sidelined. D. Mendez (Knee Injury) is sidelined. Isi Palazón (Red Card) is sidelined through suspension. In addition, I. Balliu (Injury) is doubtful, Álvaro García (Injury) is doubtful, and Gumbau (Injury) is doubtful. Top scorer Jorge de Frutos, with 10 league goals, is available to lead the attack.

Villarreal availability

For Villarreal, J. Foyth (Achilles Tendon Injury) is sidelined. Renato Veiga (Yellow Cards) is sidelined through suspension. P. Cabanes (Convalescence) is doubtful. Key attacking figures G. Mikautadze (12 goals, 6 assists) and Alberto Moleiro (10 goals, 5 assists) are both available.

Impact summary

Rayo’s main creative width could be compromised if Álvaro García and Gumbau do not recover, while the suspension of Isi Palazón further reduces their attacking variety. Villarreal lose defensive balance with Foyth and Renato Veiga sidelined, but crucially retain almost their full attacking output through Mikautadze, Moleiro and N. Pépé, preserving a significant offensive edge.