The clash between Rayo Vallecano and CD Leganés is always a fascinating one, especially when both sides are pushing for dominance in Spanish football’s ever-competitive top two tiers. Whether they are locking horns in La Liga or the Segunda División, this Madrid community derby carries intensity, pride, and tactical intrigue. Fans from Vallecas to Leganés know what’s at stake, and managers are fully aware that every lineup decision can change the game’s direction.
As both teams prepare to face off, attention naturally turns to the lineups. Who will start? Who will sit? Who will make the difference? Let’s take a deep dive into the projected lineups of both Rayo Vallecano and CD Leganés, along with formation expectations, strategic outlooks, and key individual battles.
Rayo Vallecano: A Compact Yet Aggressive Unit
Rayo Vallecano, historically known for their attacking style and pressing football, has evolved over the past few seasons. Under coaches like Andoni Iraola and others who follow similar philosophies, the team has maintained its identity of high intensity, quick transitions, and wide play.
Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper:
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Stole Dimitrievski
The Macedonian international has been a constant presence between the sticks for Rayo. Agile, composed, and experienced, Dimitrievski is likely to retain his place as the starting goalkeeper.
Defenders:
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Right-back: Iván Balliu
Balliu is known for his overlapping runs and consistent work rate. His ability to stretch the field and contribute defensively makes him a valuable part of Rayo’s backline. -
Center-backs: Florian Lejeune & Aridane Hernández
Lejeune offers physical presence and aerial strength, while Aridane brings composure and reading of the game. Together, they form a reliable central defensive pairing. -
Left-back: Fran García
One of Rayo’s most dynamic players, Fran García, provides speed and offensive flair down the flank. His link-up with the midfield and ability to recover defensively make him key to both attack and defense.
Midfielders:
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Double pivot: Óscar Valentín & Pathé Ciss
Valentín offers balance and ball retention, while Ciss adds box-to-box dynamism. Together, they form a pivot that allows attacking players freedom to roam forward.
Attacking Midfield:
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Right wing: Isi Palazón
Arguably Rayo’s most creative outlet, Isi Palazón is capable of cutting inside, delivering key passes, and scoring goals. His left foot is a constant threat. -
Central attacking mid: Óscar Trejo
The captain and heartbeat of the team, Trejo, provides vision and leadership. At 34, he still dictates play with technical skill and quick decision-making. -
Left wing: Álvaro García
Known for his pace and direct running, Álvaro stretches defenses and creates space for others. His ability to get behind defenders will be crucial.
Striker:
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Raúl de Tomás (RDT)
If fit and available, RDT is Rayo’s go-to striker. Clinical in front of goal and excellent with his back to goal, he is the complete No. 9.
CD Leganés: Disciplined and Difficult to Break Down
CD Leganés, meanwhile, take pride in their defensive solidity and disciplined approach. Often viewed as a tactically rigid side, they use structure and patient buildup to frustrate opponents and exploit weaknesses on the counter.
Expected Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper:
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Diego Conde
With reliable reflexes and a calm demeanor, Conde is expected to start in goal. He’s been dependable during key matches and commands his box well.
Defenders:
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Right-back: Allan Nyom
A physically strong defender with significant La Liga experience, Nyom combines aggressive defending with the ability to surge forward when needed. -
Center-backs: Jorge Sáenz & Sergio González
Sáenz brings height and aerial prowess, while González provides positional awareness and leadership at the back. This duo offers a balance between aggression and discipline. -
Left-back: Enric Franquesa
Franquesa is not just defensively sound but also offers decent delivery from wide areas. He supports the midfield with overlapping runs while maintaining shape.
Midfielders:
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Right midfield: Dani Raba
With flair and creativity, Raba operates from the right but often drifts inside to link up with forwards. He’s capable of producing moments of brilliance. -
Central midfielders: Iker Undabarrena & Yvan Neyou
Undabarrena is the deep-lying playmaker who controls the tempo, while Neyou adds bite, tackles, and transitional runs. Together, they hold the midfield fortress. -
Left midfield: Fede Vico
A technically gifted player who can cut in from the wing or deliver quality crosses. Vico also poses a threat from set-pieces.
Strikers:
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Juan Muñoz & Miguel de la Fuente
This striking pair combines movement, work rate, and finishing. Muñoz acts as the more traditional target man, while De la Fuente plays off his shoulder, looking for through balls and flick-ons.
Tactical Outlook: Clash of Styles
The match-up between Rayo’s fluid attacking system and Leganés’ disciplined, organized structure offers an engaging tactical contrast. Here’s what to expect:
Rayo Vallecano’s Game Plan:
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High pressing, especially from wingers and the attacking midfield trio.
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Full-backs overlapping to stretch Leganés’ midfield and pull defenders out of shape.
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Fast transitions when recovering the ball — especially using Álvaro García and Isi Palazón.
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Trejo acting as the conduit between midfield and attack, threading passes to RDT.
Leganés’ Game Plan:
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Sit deep and absorb pressure in the opening phases.
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Exploit space behind Rayo’s full-backs when they push forward.
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Break with pace using wide players and look for Muñoz to hold up the ball.
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Focus on set-pieces — both defending and attacking — where they can gain an edge.
Key Battles to Watch
Fran García vs Dani Raba
This duel down Rayo’s left and Leganés’ right will be pivotal. Fran García’s forward runs must be tracked by Raba, who also has attacking duties. Whoever dominates this flank can swing momentum.
Trejo vs Undabarrena
The creative mind of Trejo against the controlling presence of Undabarrena is a classic midfield battle. If Trejo can operate freely, Rayo will unlock more doors. If Undabarrena limits his space, Leganés can force Rayo into wide areas.
RDT vs Jorge Sáenz
This is the marquee physical battle. RDT’s movement, strength, and finishing will test Sáenz’s positioning and aerial ability. Expect intense duels in and around the box.
Bench Options: Who Could Influence the Game?
Rayo Vallecano:
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Sergio Camello – A lively forward who can come in as a second striker or wide player.
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Unai López – Offers control and range of passing if Rayo needs to regain midfield dominance.
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Pep Chavarría – Provides fresh legs down the left if Fran tires or if Rayo switches shape.
CD Leganés:
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Naim García – A young and explosive winger capable of changing the tempo.
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Rubén Pardo – Adds technical quality and long-range passing if the game becomes tight.
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José Arnáiz – Experienced forward who can act as a game-changer late on.
Final Thoughts
When Rayo Vallecano and CD Leganés meet, it’s not just a football match — it’s a derby loaded with narrative and nuance. Rayo’s technical ability, flair, and offensive transitions meet the tactical discipline, patience, and structure of Leganés. The projected lineups suggest a clash between attack and defense, spontaneity and planning, risk and caution.
While Rayo may start as favorites on paper due to their attacking options and top-flight experience, Leganés’ organization and determination should not be underestimated. As always in games like these, the result might hinge not on stars but on moments — a midfield turnover, a set-piece flick, or a goalkeeper’s fingertip save.
Regardless of the outcome, the fans can expect a thrilling tactical battle and fierce competition, both on the touchlines and the pitch. Whether it’s a night of goals or a gritty stalemate, Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés will deliver in terms of footballing drama and emotion.
