Rayo Vallecano vs Villarreal - La Liga

The La Liga returns to the home ground on May 17, 2026, where Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the La Liga contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Consistency has eluded Rayo Vallecano in recent weeks, with WL in their last five and a win rate of 33.33% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. The visitors have been enduring a wretched campaign, LLLLL in their last five and a season win rate of just 0% that leaves them deep in trouble. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. A young right-back is another position City are interested in adding in, while, in terms of outgoings, goalkeeper James Trafford is close to joining Leeds so will need to be replaced.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. As a winger or more of a central, attacking midfielder? “He’s an offensive player who knows how to mix it up across the attack.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz has made his transfer stance clear, amid talk of him 'dreaming' of a move to Manchester United.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 2-2 draw feels like a fitting result. With positions in the La Liga table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.