Rayo Vallecano vs Osasuna Prediction & Betting Tips (24 January)

Thinking of breaking out of its torpor by beating Mallorca narrowly 2-1, Rayo Vallecano automatically returned to its old wreckage by losing largely on the Celta Vigo pitch last weekend 3-0. The record is starting to get worse for the Madrilenians, victorious in only one of their last ten matches in Liga 3n, 6d. Race results, Rayo is in 13th place. We can also mention the elimination of Inigo Perez's men in the 1/8 finals of the Copa del Rey on the pitch of Deportivo Alaves 2-0. Worse still, in a total lack of discipline, Rayo finished its last three matches in all competitions numerically inferior.

A big sigh of relief in the Basque ranks since Osasuna won its first match in 2026 in all competitions by offering itself the red lantern Oviedo last weekend with a 3-2 victory. A few days earlier, the Rojillos were knocked out of the Copa del Rey on penalties by Real Sociedad. Worse still, the first weeks of 2026 were not productive for Osasuna, beaten by Girona at Montilvi 1-0 and embarrassed at home by Athletic Bilbao 1-1. In the standings, with the same number of points as Rayo Vallecano, Alessio Lisci's men are 12th. 

If midfielder Oscar Valentin should be back from suspension, Senegalese central defender N.Mendy will take his place on the suspended bench. This is bad news since the defensive sector is already without central Mumin and Luiz Felipe (ex-OM), and full-backs Baillu and Ratiu (Romanian international), all four injured. Winner of the CAN with Senegal, midfielder P.Ciss could observe a period of rest and play again next week. Still in the middle, Diego Mendez and Unai Lopez are physically hampered and should forfeit. In the offensive sector, Sergio Camello (Olympic champion with Spain in Paris) is also on the flank. On the other hand, Pedro Diaz, captain Isi Palazon, Alvaro Garcia and especially Jorge de Frutos (6 goals in La Liga) will be fit. Ditto for rookie Carlos Martin, arrived from Atlético Madrid on loan for this second part of the season.

 Suspended for accumulation of yellow cards against Oviedo, the important Moncayola will be eligible again. On the other hand, Catena (defender) will serve his red card. Probably out until the end of the season, Iker Benito will not play this afternoon. Author of a double in the success against Oviedo, Croatian international A.Budimir increased his total of goals in La Liga to 8 units. Former Real Madrid resident Victor Munoz (3 goals in La Liga) scored the winning goal against the Carbayones. Arriving from Atlético Madrid to find playing time, full-back Javi Galan will likely be on the match sheet.  The probable line-ups for Rayo Vallecano – Osasuna: