Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano is set to be an intriguing contest, especially given their recent encounters where Rayo has held a clear advantage. Alaves’s strong home record and tactical discipline will be tested against Rayo’s aggressive pressing and rapid counter-attacking style. The tactical battle will hinge on Alaves’s ability to absorb pressure and hit on counter, while Rayo's high pressing could create scoring chances. Expect formations to be 4-4-2 for Alaves, emphasizing solidity and aerial strength, whereas Rayo will likely remain 4-2-3-1, capitalizing on pace and fluid attacking movement. The potential for goals is high, with consistent offensive outputs from both teams in recent matches.
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These are our top betting tips and predictions for the match.
Rayo Vallecano might start strongly and take an early lead, but Alaves’s resilience at home might see the game remain tied at halftime, with chances of a late goal swing in the second half.
Rayo Vallecano is favored with a slight handicap advantage, but backing Alaves on the double chance provides a safer option considering their strong recent home form.
The match is expected to produce multiple goals, with a high probability of exceeding 2.5 goals based on recent scoring trends and team attacking records.
Both teams have scored in recent encounters, but Rayo Vallecano’s defensive record away from home indicates a likelihood of a single goal for Alaves. BTTS (Both Teams To Score) is a moderate risk option.
The fixture on January 14, 2026, at Estadio Mendizorrotza is projected to be closely contested, with Rayo Vallecano slightly favored to secure a win or at least avoid defeat. Their recent offensive form and favorable head-to-head record support this outlook.
Historically, Rayo Vallecano has dominated recent head-to-head encounters, winning 80% of the last five matches against Alaves, including a 2-0 away victory in their latest clash proving their tactical edge.
Both teams have a few injury concerns, but key players remain available. Alaves's squad is relatively intact, while Rayo Vallecano's important midfielder Óscar Valentín returns after injury.
Expected formations are 4-4-2 for Alaves, focusing on solid midfield control and defensive stability. Rayo Vallecano will likely field a 4-2-3-1, emphasizing quick counter-attacks and high pressing, which differentiates their style from Alaves’s possession-based approach.
Rayo Vallecano has shown excellent form in recent fixtures, winning all their last three away games, and demonstrating attacking prowess with an average of 3.7 goals per game. Alaves maintains a perfect recent home record and has a strong defensive streak with three clean sheets.
See below all the main information for this match.
The match on January 14, 2026, at Estadio Mendizorrotza is expected to favor Rayo Vallecano due to their recent form, head-to-head advantage, and strong offensive performance in previous encounters. Alaves will need to be at their best defensively and capitalize on counter-attacks to have a chance.
The key factors influencing the outcome are recent form, head-to-head results, and tactical styles. Rayo Vallecano's recent dominance in away fixtures and attacking capability give them the edge, but Alaves’s solid defending at home could complicate the visitors' plans.
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