Rayo Vallecano Team News Page 3 - Soccer

Luiz Felipe - Out Thursday Felipe (thigh) is out for Thursday's match against Espanyol, according to manager Inigo Perez.

Impact Felipe was already doubtful for Thrusday and it is only confirmed now that he will indeed miss out. Luckily, this is not a major absence, as he mainly serves in a depth role, starting in seven of his minimal 10 appearances. That said, no changes will be made due to his absence, hopefully only missing the one game due to his discomfort.

APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE

Augusto Batalla - Still managing issue Batalla (thigh) did not train with the team Monday and is a slight doubt for Thursday's clash against Espanyol after continuing to manage the discomfort he picked up in the first l...

Impact Batalla had gutted out the full 90 minutes in Thursday's Conference League return leg against AEK despite the issue, but his absence from Monday's team session suggests the problem has not fully cleared. The Argentine goalkeeper has started every league and Conference League fixture this season except the game against Mallorca between both UEFA Conference League legs and his potential absence would be a significant blow for Rayo, with Daniel Cardenas on standby to step between the posts if Batalla cannot be cleared in time. The club will monitor his condition closely over the coming days before making a final call ahead of what is already a difficult fixture with multiple injury and suspension concerns mounting for coach Inigo Perez's side.

APRIL 20 • ROTOWIRE

Randy Nteka - Not spotted in training Nteka (undisclosed) did not train with his teammates Monday and is a doubt for Thursday's clash against Espanyol, according to La Grada.

Impact Nteka's absence from Monday's team training session adds yet another name to a growing list of fitness concerns for Rayo heading into the clash against the Catalans. The forward had stepped into the starting lineup for the last fixture after mostly operating as a bench option, and if he cannot be cleared for Thursday, Jorge De Frutos is expected to take on the striker role for manager Inigo Perez's heavily depleted side.

APRIL 20 • ROTOWIRE

Alvaro Garcia - Questionable to face Espanyol Garcia (hamstring) did not train with the team Monday and is a doubt for Thursday's clash against Espanyol after picking up discomfort during the Conference League tie against AEK...

Impact Garcia had been forced off during the AEK clash and his absence from Monday's team training session raises fresh concerns over his availability for the Espanyol fixture. The left winger has been Rayo's first-choice option on that flank across the last four outings in domestic and European competition, contributing one assist and one secondary assist in that span, making his potential absence a real blow for manager Inigo Perez's already stretched squad. Pedro Diaz or Pacha Espino are the most likely candidates to step in if Garcia cannot be cleared, with Rayo dealing with a significant accumulation of injury and suspension concerns heading into Thursday's clash.

APRIL 20 • ROTOWIRE

Luiz Felipe - Doubtful against Espanyol Felipe (thigh) did not train with his teammates Monday and is a doubt for Thursday's clash against Espanyol after picking up discomfort during the Conference League tie against AEK...

Impact Felipe had been forced off after 55 minutes in the AEK clash and his absence from Monday's team training session suggests the issue has not fully resolved in time for the weekend. The situation is particularly concerning for Rayo with Florian Lejeune and Nobel Mendy both suspended for the Espanyol fixture, leaving coach Inigo Perez stretched for defensive options. Pathe Ciss, Jozhua Vertrouwd and Abdul Mumin are among the candidates to fill the void if Felipe cannot be cleared, with the club managing several fitness concerns heading into what is already a difficult fixture.

APRIL 20 • ROTOWIRE

Luiz Felipe - Forced off in Conference League Felipe was unable to continue after 55 minutes of play in Thursday's UEFA Conference League loss to AEK Athens.

Impact Felipe is now doubtful for future clashes, with the exact severity of his issue still unknown. He has been used as part of a center-back rotation lately, and his potential absence would reduce the squad's depth in that zone. In that case, Pathe Ciss might be deployed in the defense, while Jozhua Vertrouwd and Abdul Mumin could also see their playing time increased.

APRIL 16 • ROTOWIRE

Alvaro Garcia - Leaves with issue in loss Garcia subbed off due to a physical problem during Thursday's UEFA Conference League quarterfinals duel versus AEK Athens.

Impact Garcia could be dealing with a muscular injury that would leave his team without its first-choice left winger of the last four contests across domestic and European competitions. If such situation is confirmed, there will be a chance for either Pedro Diaz or Pacha Espino to take his place going forward. The attacker, who has provided two assists over his last four starts, will hope to be back as a starter before the end of the season.

APRIL 16 • ROTOWIRE

Gerard Gumbau - Nine crosses in away loss Gumbau generated two shots (zero on goal), nine crosses (zero accurate) and seven corners in Sunday's 3-0 loss to Mallorca.

Impact Gumbau attempted nine crosses and seven corners but was unable to provide an assist as Rayo Vallecano lost 3-0 to Mallorca. The midfielder has taken a total of 20 corners this season, with seven coming in this game. Nine crosses were the most he has attempted in a game this year, but it's the first time he has attempted three or more without completing one.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Alfonso Espino - Three shots, eight crosses in loss Pacha Espino recorded three shots (one on goal), eight crosses (two accurate) and three chances created in Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Mallorca.

Impact Espino had a busy day without a goal involvement. The left-back has scored two goals this season in his 11 starts. He had been on the bench for the last matches, but played the full 90 in this game. His three shots were the most he has played in a single game this season, as were his eight crosses.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Dani Cardenas - One save in 3-0 defeat Daniel Cardenas made one save and allowed three goals in Sunday's 3-0 loss to Mallorca.

Impact Cardenas made his first start for Rayo Vallecano this season, but conceded three times as his side fell to a 3-0 defeat to Mallorca. He kept two clean sheets in his six matches last season, making a total of 14 saves across these games.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Nobel Mendy - Set for suspension Mendy will serve a one-match ban due to an accumulation of five yellow cards in La Liga.

Impact Mendy picked up his fifth yellow card in La Liga play and will serve a one-match suspension for next Thursday's clash against Espanyol. The central defender has been an undisputed starter in the back line for Rayo this season, therefore his absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Luiz Felipe expected to play in his spot alongside Pathe Ciss for that clash since Florian Lejeune is suspended as well.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Florian Lejeune - Will miss one game Lejeune will serve a one-match ban due to an accumulation of five yellow cards in La Liga.

Impact Lejeune picked up his fifth yellow card in La Liga play and will serve a one-match suspension for next Thursday's clash against Espanyol. The central defender has been an undisputed starter in the back line for Rayo this season, therefore his absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Pathe Ciss expected to take his spot in a deeper role for that clash.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Mallorca's Vedat Muriqi moves 2 goals behind Kylian Mbappé in La Liga scoring charts

Vedat Muriqi struck twice to move closer to Kylian Mbappé at the top of La Liga’s scoring charts this season as relegation-threatened Mallorca beat Rayo Vallecano 3-0

APRIL 12 • Associated Press

Augusto Batalla - Bench option Batalla (thigh) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Mallorca.

Impact Batalla was a late call for Sunday, but has passed his testing, with the goalie fit enough for the team sheet. He is only on the bench but should return to the starting XI in their next contest, as this is his first missed start all season, their typical starter in net.

APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE

Oscar Trejo - Returns to bench Trejo (undisclosed) was an unused substitute in Thursday's Conference League win against AEK Athens, marking his return to the matchday squad after missing two consecutive games, t...

Impact Trejo's absence had been described by coach Inigo Perez as stemming from a decision that was not purely sporting in nature, though no further details have been provided on the situation. His return to the bench is a step toward reintegration, and the club will now decide when the right moment is to bring him back into active involvement. Whether he features in Sunday's clash against Mallorca will depend on how the situation develops over the coming days.

APRIL 11 • ROTOWIRE

Augusto Batalla - Late call against Mallorca Batalla (thigh) is being closely monitored and is a late call for Sunday's clash against Mallorca, according to coach Inigo Perez, per UnionRayoLive. "We have today's training to s...

Impact Batalla played through the thigh discomfort for the remainder of Thursday's Conference League win over AEK Athens after being struck late in the first half, and the club is assessing him on a day-by-day basis before making a call. The Argentine has started every league and Conference League fixture this season, making his potential absence a significant blow with both the Mallorca clash and the Conference League return leg in Athens also on the horizon. Daniel Cardenas remains on standby to step in if Batalla cannot go on Sunday.

APRIL 11 • ROTOWIRE

Augusto Batalla - Suffers thigh injury Thursday Batalla is a doubt for Sunday's clash against Mallorca after picking up a thigh injury in Thursday's Conference League win over AEK Athens, the player commented, per Pasion Por El...

Impact Batalla made a crucial save to keep Rayo in front during the match before suffering the blow to his right thigh late in the first half, playing through the discomfort for the remainder of the game. The Argentine has started every single league and Conference League fixture this season, making his potential absence a significant blow for the Franjirojos. The club will assess the MRI results before making a decision on his availability, with the Conference League return leg against AEK also a factor in how carefully they manage his workload. Daniel Cardenas would step between the posts if Batalla is ruled out Sunday.

APRIL 9 • ROTOWIRE

Ilias Akhomach - Option to face Freiburg Akhomach (ankle) is an option for Thursday's match against Freiburg, according to manager Inigo Perez, according to Marcos Del Bano of Marca. "Ilias is available for tomorrow's gam...

Impact Akhomach was not risked in Friday's match, but after a few days of training, he is an option once again. This is a massive return for the club as they head into an important UEL match, gaining him back after two games out. He is more of a rotational player for the club, but is a useful super sub that should see the field, with two assists in four UEL appearances this season.

APRIL 8 • ROTOWIRE

Randy Nteka - Scores winning goal Nteka scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Friday's 1-0 victory over Elche.

Impact Nteka was the hero for Rayo Vallecano, as he came off the bench to add fresh legs on offense and ended up scoring the game-winner. This was Nteka's first goal of the season, and with no starts this season, his fantasy upside will be minimal going forward.

APRIL 6 • ROTOWIRE

Alvaro Garcia - Credited with assist in win Garcia assisted once to go with three shots (two on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Friday's 1-0 victory versus Elche.

Impact Garcia was credited with the assist on the winning goal scored by Randy Nteka. The coveted winger has been a regular starter for Rayo Vallecano all season long, and his creativity has been on full display of late. Since the beginning of February, Garcia has one goal, three assists, 15 shots and 11 chances created over his last nine outings.

APRIL 6 • ROTOWIRE

Jorge De Frutos - Busy outing in win De Frutos had five shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 1-0 win over Elche.

Impact There's a strong argument to say De Frutos was Rayo's best player throughout the game, and his fantasy line also backs that up since he was the engine that kept Rayo's attack going time and time again. De Frutos has gone four games without scoring, but he still has value with nine shots, three chances created, eight crosses and two interceptions in that span.

APRIL 6 • ROTOWIRE

Augusto Batalla - Keeps clean sheet Batalla had four saves and allowed zero goals in Friday's 1-0 victory against Elche.

Impact Batalla responded every time he was needed, and the veteran goalkeeper recorded his third clean sheet over his past eight contests. Batalla will try to keep that strong run alive when visiting Mallorca, who defeated Real Madrid this past weekend, on Sunday, April 12.

APRIL 6 • ROTOWIRE

Ilias Akhomach - Not risked Friday Akhomach is still managing physical discomfort from his ankle issue and did not feature in Friday's clash against Elche, with the club opting not to take any risks, according to Un...

Impact Akhomach had appeared to be on track for a return after completing full training sessions earlier in the week, but the club has decided to err on the side of caution with the ankle still not fully resolved. The Moroccan winger is now targeting next Sunday's clash against Mallorca as his comeback date, giving him a few extra days to get completely right before returning to the fold. Rayo will be hoping he can hit the ground running once back, as his attacking spark has been sorely missed during his absence.

APRIL 4 • ROTOWIRE

RAYO VALLECANO 1 - 0 ELCHE CF | RESUMEN LALIGA EA SPORTS

APRIL 3 • YOUTUBE

Nteka strikes late to give Rayo Vallecano win over 10-man Elche

A late goal from Angola international Randy Nteka has given Rayo Vallecano a 1-0 win over Elche in La Liga

APRIL 3 • Associated Press

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Mallorca's Vedat Muriqi moves 2 goals behind Kylian Mbappé in La Liga scoring charts

Nteka strikes late to give Rayo Vallecano win over 10-man Elche