Villarreal vs Rayo Vallecano prediction, H2H and probable lineups, 1 November 2025
La Liga action continues this weekend as Villarreal welcome Rayo Vallecano to the Estadio de la Cerámica. Both teams have had mixed spells lately, and this matchup could go either way. Villarreal will be desperate to bounce back after some inconsistent results, while Rayo are chasing valuable away points to climb the mid-table zone.
Form Guide
Villarreal:
The Yellow Submarine have been hot and cold this season. A few strong home performances have kept them afloat, but defensive lapses are still haunting them. They’ve managed a couple of wins in their last five matches but are leaking too many goals late in games. With players like Gerard Moreno and Alexander Sørloth leading the line, Villarreal will aim to tighten up at the back and make their home advantage count.
Rayo Vallecano:
Rayo have been surprisingly steady on the road this season. They might not be scoring much, but they’ve become tough to break down. Their recent games have been low-scoring affairs, focusing more on structure and counter-attacks. Coach Íñigo Pérez will want his side to frustrate Villarreal and grab something from this tie.
Head-to-Head (H2H)
In their last 10 meetings, Villarreal have clearly had the upper hand, winning six and drawing two. Rayo have managed only a couple of wins in that stretch. The last encounter ended in a 1–1 draw, showing that Rayo can still trouble Villarreal if given space on the break.
Team News
Villarreal:
The hosts could be without Yeremy Pino due to injury, while Raúl Albiol remains a doubt. The good news is Gerard Moreno looks fit again and ready to start. Expect a front line of Moreno, Sørloth, and Chukwueze if all are cleared.
Rayo Vallecano:
Rayo might still miss Randy Nteka and Álvaro García, both nursing knocks. Isi Palazón and Raúl de Tomás are expected to carry the attacking load. Their midfield, led by Óscar Valentín, will be key in cutting off Villarreal’s passing rhythm.
Probable Lineups
Villarreal (4-3-3): Jörgensen – Foyth, Cuenca, Mandi, Pedraza – Parejo, Capoue, Baena – Chukwueze, Sørloth, Moreno.
Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski – Balliu, Lejeune, Catena, Espino – Valentín, Trejo – Isi, Comesaña, De Frutos – De Tomás.
Players to Watch
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Gerard Moreno (Villarreal): Back in form and always a threat in the box.
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Raúl de Tomás (Rayo): Former Villarreal man who loves scoring against big sides.
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Álex Baena (Villarreal): The creative link between midfield and attack.
Match Prediction
This one feels like a tricky call. Villarreal’s home form gives them an edge, but Rayo’s defensive organization could make life difficult. Expect Villarreal to control possession while Rayo sit deep and wait for counters.
Predicted Score: Villarreal 2–1 Rayo Vallecano
Betting Tips
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Both Teams to Score – Yes (Rayo usually find a goal even in tough away games).
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Over 2.5 Goals (Villarreal’s matches tend to open up).
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Gerard Moreno to Score Anytime (he’s back to sharpness and key for Villarreal).
Wrap-Up
It’s shaping up to be a tight but entertaining clash at the Cerámica. Villarreal will want to steady their season with a solid home win, while Rayo will hope to grind out another clever result. Expect goals, drama, and maybe a few surprises under the Saturday night lights.