Rayo Vallecano vs Real Betis Preview
La Liga Matchday 16 – Monday, December 15, 2025
Venue: Estadio de Vallecas, Madrid
Kick-off: 20:00 UTC
Rayo Vallecano welcome Real Betis to Estadio de Vallecas in an intriguing mid-table La Liga encounter. Both sides arrive with confidence after midweek European victories, setting the stage for a competitive Monday night clash in Madrid.
Current Form & Standings
Rayo Vallecano sit around 12th–13th in the table with 17 points from 15 matches, but their league form has dipped, failing to win any of their last six La Liga outings. Despite this run, Vallecas remains a difficult venue, with Rayo drawing four of their six home league matches so far this season.
Real Betis are 6th with 24 points, hovering just outside the Champions League places. Although they recently suffered a high-scoring defeat to Barcelona, Betis have been outstanding away from home and remain unbeaten in all competitive away fixtures this season.
Head-to-Head
- Overall record: Betis lead with 11 wins to Rayo’s 8, alongside 12 draws
- Recent meetings: Rayo are unbeaten in the last three encounters
- Last meeting: 2-2 draw
- At Vallecas: Typically tight, low-scoring games, but both teams often score
Team News
Rayo Vallecano Injuries & Suspensions
- Unai López – Suspended (red card), returns after Matchday 16
- Abdul Mumin – Cruciate ligament injury (out until late December 2025)
- Pedro Díaz – Ligament injury (late December 2025)
- Óscar Trejo – Hamstring injury (late December 2025)
- Alemão – Physical discomfort
Standout Players (Rayo Vallecano):
- Top scorer: Jorge De Frutos (4 goals)
- Most assists: Pep Chavarría (2)
- Most suspensions: Isi Palazón (5)
- Most minutes played: Augusto Batalla (1,350 minutes)
Real Betis Injuries
- Isco – Thigh injury (late December 2025)
- Junior Firpo – Hamstring injury (late December 2025)
- Sofyan Amrabat – Foot injury (late December 2025)
- Héctor Bellerín – Thigh injury (late December 2025)
Standout Players (Real Betis):
- Top scorer: Cucho Hernández (6 goals)
- Most assists: Pablo Fornals (4)
- Most suspensions: Natan (4)
- Most minutes played: Natan (1,320 minutes)
Predicted Lineups (4-2-3-1)
Rayo Vallecano
Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Chavarría; Valentín, Gumbau; Fran Pérez, Isi Palazón, Álvaro García; Jorge De Frutos
Key threats: Isi Palazón’s creativity and De Frutos’ goal threat
Real Betis
Pau López; Ruibal, Bartra, Natan, Valentín Gómez; Fornals, Marc Roca; Antony, Lo Celso, Riquelme; Cucho Hernández
Key threats: Lo Celso’s vision, Antony’s pace, and Cucho’s finishing
Match Prediction
Betis arrive with superior away form and greater attacking depth, but injuries in midfield and defence could leave them exposed. Rayo, while struggling for wins, are well-organised at home and rarely give much away at Vallecas.
Best betting angles:
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
- Under 2.5 Goals
Final Prediction:
Rayo Vallecano 1–1 Real Betis
A tight, tactical contest is expected, with Rayo’s home resilience balancing Betis’ attacking quality. A draw feels the most likely outcome under the Vallecas floodlights