Rayo Vallecano vs Levante Preview at 03:00 on March 17, La Liga Round 28

Rayo Vallecano vs Levante Preview (03:00, March 17). Prediction, expected lineup, expert analysis for the Rayo Vallecano vs Levante match in La Liga Round 28.

Rayo Vallecano vs Levante Preview

Rayo Vallecano enters the latest match of Round 28 with momentum following a 3-1 victory over Samsunspor in the Conference League. On the domestic stage, coach Inigo Perez's team has an unbeaten streak of 5 consecutive matches, helping them climb to 15th place and creating a 5-point gap from the relegation zone. Their disruptive style of play and effective utilization of home advantage (only losing 2 matches at Vallecas this season) provide a solid foundation for the capital's representative.

However, Rayo's biggest hurdle at this moment is the challenge of managing player fatigue. With the Conference League Round of 16 second leg scheduled next week, Coach Perez is likely to implement a rotation policy for the lineup. This could affect Rayo's rhythm, especially when facing a desperate opponent like Levante.

On the other side of the battle line, Levante is struggling fiercely in the relegation battle. Although still stuck in 19th place, the 4 points earned from the last two rounds (win against Alaves, draw with Girona) have reignited hope for "The Frogs". The gap to safety is currently 4 points, and a positive result in Madrid would be a huge boost for coach Luis Castro's team heading into the final stretch.

Despite possessing the league's worst defense (conceded 45 goals), Levante has a knack for scoring points away from home, with 3 out of their 5 victories this season coming from away trips. With a clear advantage in physical fitness and the brilliance of young talent Carlos Espi, Levante has solid grounds to aim for a draw, especially when the home team cannot field its strongest lineup.

Squad Status for Rayo Vallecano vs Levante

Rayo Vallecano: Diego Mendez's injury is the only absence. However, it's highly likely that Isi Palazon and Ilias Akhomach will be rested. Jorge de Frutos is expected to start from the beginning.

Levante: Severe personnel losses with Roger Brugue, Pablo Martinez, and Carlos Alvarez injured. Adrian de la Fuente and Jon Olasagasti are suspended. The availability of the trio Elgezabal, Raghouber, and Kareem Tunde remains uncertain. Carlos Espi – who scored 3 goals in the last 2 matches – will be the most dangerous attacking threat.

Expected Lineup for Rayo Vallecano vs Levante

Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Espino; Valentin, Gumbau; Martin, Diaz, A Garcia; De Frutos

Levante (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Toljan, Matturro, Moreno, Sanchez; Arriaga, Rey; V Garcia, Romero, Cortes; Espi

Head-to-Head History and Form for Rayo Vallecano vs Levante

Rayo Vallecano's Form:

13/03/26: Samsunspor 1-3 Rayo Vallecano (Conference League)

09/03/26: Sevilla 1-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

05/03/26: Rayo Vallecano 3-0 Real Oviedo (La Liga)

28/02/26: Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

21/02/26: Real Betis 1-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

Levante's Form:

07/03/26: Levante 1-1 Girona (La Liga)

28/02/26: Levante 2-0 Alaves (La Liga)

22/02/26: Barcelona 3-0 Levante (La Liga)

19/02/26: Levante 0-1 Villarreal (La Liga)

16/02/26: Levante 0-2 Valencia (La Liga)

Head-to-Head History Rayo Vallecano vs Levante:

19/10/25: Levante 0-3 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

21/05/22: Rayo Vallecano 2-4 Levante (La Liga)

11/09/21: Levante 1-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

04/05/19: Levante 4-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

24/12/18: Rayo Vallecano 2-1 Levante (La Liga)

Prediction for Rayo Vallecano vs Levante

Rayo Vallecano holds a slight edge in quality and home advantage, but their focus is undoubtedly partly on the European stage. Meanwhile, Levante has shown resilience and a refusal to give up in recent rounds. A scenario of a shared point at Vallecas would be a result that accurately reflects the current situation for both teams.

Predicted Score for Rayo Vallecano vs Levante: 1-1