Rayo Vallecano head into the UEFA Conference League final against Crystal Palace carrying momentum, confidence and very few injury concerns as Iñigo Pérez prepares his side for the biggest European match in the club’s history.
The Madrid outfit have quietly become one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking teams this season, combining aggressive pressing with quick transitions and fearless attacking football. After finishing eighth in La Liga and producing a strong run of recent form, Rayo now have the opportunity to lift their first-ever major European trophy in Leipzig.
While Crystal Palace arrive with several key injury doubts, Rayo’s squad situation looks significantly more stable overall. The Spanish side are expected to field a near full-strength lineup despite a handful of fitness concerns heading into the final.
Rayo Vallecano expected tactical setup
Iñigo Pérez is expected to continue with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, a system built around pressing intensity, aggressive wing play and rapid attacking transitions.
Augusto Batalla is set to start in goal after establishing himself as Rayo’s number one throughout the European campaign. In defense, Andrei Rațiu and Pep Chavarría are expected to occupy the full-back positions, while Florian Lejeune and Pathé Ciss should continue as the central defensive partnership.
Lejeune’s experience and composure on the ball remain crucial for Rayo’s buildup play, while Ciss provides athleticism and defensive aggression in duels. Rațiu and Chavarría are also expected to push high up the pitch whenever possible in order to support attacks against Palace’s wing-backs.
In midfield, Óscar Valentín and Unai López are likely to operate as the double pivot. Valentín brings defensive balance and pressing intensity, while López offers passing range and progression through midfield areas.
Further forward, Rayo are expected to rely heavily on the creativity and movement of Isi Palazón and Jorge De Frutos. Both players have played major roles during the club’s Conference League run and will be key outlets during transitions.
Álvaro García is also expected to return to the starting lineup after recent injury concerns. His recovery is a major boost for Pérez’s side given his importance in the final third throughout the competition.
Leading the attack should be Alemão, although there remains slight uncertainty surrounding his physical condition after earlier muscle concerns during the season.
- Also read: Where to Watch Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano For Free: UEFA Conference League Final 2026
Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup
| Position | Expected Starter |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Augusto Batalla |
| Right-Back | Andrei Rațiu |
| Centre-Back | Florian Lejeune |
| Centre-Back | Pathé Ciss |
| Left-Back | Pep Chavarría |
| Central Midfield | Óscar Valentín |
| Central Midfield | Unai López |
| Right Wing | Isi Palazón |
| Attacking Midfield | Álvaro García |
| Left Wing | Jorge De Frutos |
| Striker | Alemão |
Rayo Vallecano injury news and latest updates
Rayo Vallecano’s biggest confirmed absentee for the final is Ilias Akhomach. The winger suffered a thigh injury during the warm-up before the semifinal second leg against Strasbourg and has since been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The loss of Akhomach removes one of Rayo’s most explosive attacking options, although Pérez still has several dangerous alternatives available across the frontline.
Defender Luiz Felipe is also unavailable after suffering a muscle injury that ended his season earlier in the campaign. Meanwhile, Randy Nteka has continued dealing with muscle problems since early May and remains unavailable for selection.
There has also been uncertainty surrounding Alemão after previous muscle issues were reported earlier in the season. However, the Brazilian striker is still expected to lead the line unless there is a late setback before kickoff.
Álvaro García’s situation appears far more positive. The winger recently returned from a muscle injury and is now expected to be fully available for the final. His return is a major boost considering he is one of Rayo’s leading Conference League scorers this season.
Elsewhere, Carlos Martín remains a doubt after suffering a back issue during Rayo’s final La Liga match against Deportivo Alavés. Diego Méndez is also facing a late fitness test after recent injury concerns.
The good news for Rayo supporters is that most of their core starters are fully fit heading into the final. Isi Palazón is available despite serving a lengthy domestic suspension recently, while Batalla, Rațiu, Lejeune, Chavarría, Valentín, López and De Frutos all arrive without fresh injury concerns.
Recent form
Rayo Vallecano enter the final in excellent form after producing a six-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
Recent results: WWDDWW
Their latest result was a 2-1 away victory against Deportivo Alavés in La Liga, a performance that showcased the confidence and attacking sharpness Pérez’s side have developed in recent months.
Rayo’s aggressive style and fearless mentality have already caused problems for several opponents throughout the Conference League campaign, and they will believe they can do the same against Crystal Palace in Leipzig.
Final thoughts
Although Crystal Palace may enter the final with greater Premier League exposure, Rayo Vallecano have quietly built one of the most cohesive and dangerous systems in the competition.
With most of their key players available, a settled tactical structure and several in-form attackers, the Spanish side possess enough quality to seriously challenge Palace for the trophy.
If Isi Palazón, Álvaro García and Jorge De Frutos can find space behind Palace’s wing-backs, Rayo have every chance of producing another memorable European performance on the biggest night in the club’s history.