Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction - La Liga Round 26

The focus of the battle is on the league table.

The match between Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano, taking place at 00:30 on March 9, 2026, at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, is considered a direct confrontation between two teams of similar strength. Both teams currently hold 30 points, sitting close together in 13th and 14th place, making the result of this match crucial in redistributing the rankings in the lower half of the table.

Current league position and form

Despite having the same number of points, Rayo Vallecano is currently ranked above Sevilla (13th compared to 14th) due to tie-breaking criteria. However, both teams' recent form lacks the consistency needed for a significant breakthrough.

• Sevilla:In their last five matches, the home team has only managed one win, three draws, and one loss. Sevilla's scoring efficiency averages 1.3 goals per game, but their defense still concedes an average of 1.6 goals per game.
• Rayo Vallecano:The away team also has a similar record in the last 5 rounds with 1 win, 3 draws and 1 loss. Rayo's attacking ability is somewhat more limited, scoring an average of only 1.0 goal per game, but their defense is more solid with a rate of conceding 1.2 goals per game.

Historically, the home team has the advantage in head-to-head matches.

Looking at the history of their last five encounters, Sevilla holds a clear advantage, remaining unbeaten against Rayo Vallecano. Specifically, Sevilla has won three matches and drawn two. In the first leg, which took place in September 2025, Sevilla also secured a narrow 1-0 victory away from home. This psychological advantage will undoubtedly be a major boost for the Andalusian team as they return to play at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

Force situation and personnel losses

Both teams faced squad problems before kick-off. Sevilla suffered more significant losses with the absence of several key players:

• Sevilla:Marcao (knee injury), N. Maupay (hamstring injury), and Peque (ankle injury) are all unavailable. In particular, G. Suazo will be sidelined due to accumulating too many yellow cards.
• Rayo Vallecano:The visiting team only has one player absent, D. Mendez, due to injury.

Tactical analysis and prediction

With home advantage and a favorable head-to-head record, Sevilla is predicted to be the team controlling the game. However, the absence of striker N. Maupay could significantly affect the home team's finishing ability. Conversely, Rayo Vallecano, with a relatively stable defense, will strive for a draw or capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities.

Experts believe Sevilla have an equal chance of winning and a draw (both at 35%). Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano's chances of securing all three points are estimated at 30%. A tight match with few goals (under 2.5) is the most likely scenario at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

Team lineup updated at 00:00 on 09/03/2026

Official lineup

Sevilla

Diagram: 4-4-2

CoachMatias Almeyda

Starting lineup:

• 1. Odysseas Vlachodimos (G)
• 3. César Azpilicueta (D)
• 5. Tanguy Nianzou (D)
• 6. Nemanja Gudelj (D)
• 4. Kike Salas (D)
• 16. Juanlu Sánchez (M)
• 18. Lucien Agoumé (M)
• 20. Djibril Sow (M)
• 36. Oso (M)
• 9. Akor Adams (F)
• 10. Alexis Sánchez (F)

Substitutes:

• 13. Ørjan Nyland
• 22. Federico Gattoni
• 32. Andres Castrin
• 15. Fábio Cardoso
• 2. José Ángel Carmona
• 29. Miguel Sierra
• 19. Batista Mendy
• 24. Adnan Januzaj
• 28. Manu Bueno
• 8. Joan Jordán
• 7. Isaac Romero
• 21. Chidera Ejuke

Rayo Vallecano

Diagram: 4-3-3

CoachInigo Perez

Starting lineup:

• 13. Augusto Batalla (G)
• 2. Andrei Rațiu (D)
• 24. Florian Lejeune (D)
• 32. Nobel Mendy (D)
• 22. Alfonso Espino (D)
• 7. Isi Palazón (M)
• 23. Óscar Valentín (M)
• 15. Gerard Gumbau (M)
• 14. Carlos Martín (F)
• 19. Jorge de Frutos (F)
• 21. Fran Pérez (F)

Substitutes:

• 1. Dani Cárdenas
• 20. Iván Balliu
• 3. Joseph Chavarría
• 5. Luiz Felipe
• 12. Ilias Akhomach
• 4. Pedro Díaz
• 17. Unai López
• 8. Óscar Trejo
• 18. Álvaro García
• 10. Sergio Camello
• 9. Alemão
• 11. Randy Nteka