La Liga | Matchday 16 | Monday, December 15, 2025
Rayo Vallecano host Real Betis at the Estadio de Vallecas on Monday night in a clash between sides heading in opposite directions. Betis sit sixth on 24 points and remain unbeaten in all 12 competitive away matches this season, while Rayo occupy 13th with 17 points and have won just once in their last six league outings.
Table Context
Betis’s plus-6 goal difference (25 scored, 19 conceded) reflects an entertaining side capable of competing for European qualification. Rayo’s minus-3 (13 scored, 16 conceded) highlights their struggle for goals, with five draws from 15 matches demonstrating their inability to turn tight games into victories.
AFCON preparations loom over this fixture. Reports suggest Betis’s Moroccan contingent, including Ez Abde and Sofyan Amrabat, may face early national team call-ups ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
Head-to-Head History
Few fixtures in La Liga are as evenly matched. The overall record across the last 10 meetings reads 3-4-3 with four draws. At Vallecas over the last six encounters, the split is identical: two Rayo wins, two draws, two Betis victories. The last five meetings have averaged nearly six cards per game, signaling the physical nature of this rivalry.
Rayo Vallecano Form
In their last six league matches overall, Rayo recorded W1-D3-L2, averaging just 0.83 goals scored and 1.00 conceded per game. A 2-1 Conference League victory over Jagiellonia provided midweek relief.
Their last three home matches show W1-D1-L1 with 1.00 goals scored and 1.00 conceded per game. Rayo remain unbeaten in their last five competitive home fixtures dating back to September, suggesting Vallecas remains a difficult venue for visitors.
Real Betis Form
Betis’s last six overall produced W3-D1-L2, averaging 2.17 goals scored and 1.83 conceded per game. A thrilling 5-3 defeat to Barcelona showcased both their attacking firepower and defensive vulnerabilities.
Away form has been exceptional. Their last three on the road reads W2-D1-L0 with 1.67 goals scored and just 0.67 conceded per game. Remarkably, Betis have avoided defeat in all 12 competitive away matches this season. They have also scored in nine of their last 10 fixtures across all competitions.
Tactical Outlook
The compact Vallecas pitch suits Rayo’s high-pressing approach, encouraging physical duels and quick transitions. Rayo average 54% possession at home and generate 13.9 shots per game. Betis prefer direct attacks at 50% possession with 14.9 shots per game, relying on Pablo Fornals and Jesús Riquelme to unlock defenses.
The key battle pits Andrei Ratiu against Betis’s left-sided attackers. Ratiu has been one of Rayo’s standout performers, while Betis consistently target that flank.
Team News
Rayo lose Unai López to suspension following a red card, disrupting their midfield engine. Diego Méndez is also unavailable. Abdul Mumin and Óscar Trejo are doubts. Pathé Ciss is available for one final match before AFCON duty.
Betis are without Isco (long-term), Héctor Bellerín, and Junior Firpo. Ez Abde and Sofyan Amrabat face uncertainty due to impending AFCON call-ups, potentially weakening Betis significantly.
Rayo will likely deploy a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1. Betis are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 with Cucho Hernández leading the line.
Numbers to Watch
- 12: Betis’s unbeaten competitive away matches this season
- 6: Average cards per game in the last five meetings
- 5: Rayo’s unbeaten home run in competitive fixtures
Where to Watch
Kickoff: 9:00 PM CET / 8:00 PM UTC / 3:00 AM +07 (Tuesday)
Spain: DAZN, Movistar+ | International: ESPN+ (US), Premier Sports (UK)
