Granada vs Rayo Vallecano Match Preview and Prediction
Copa del Rey – Round of 16
Match Time: January 6, 2026, 21:00 CET (Local Spain Time)
Match Background
In the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey, Granada will host Rayo Vallecano at Nuevo Los Cármenes. The hosts are battling for survival in the league, while the visitors from Madrid aim to progress to the next stage of the tournament.
Granada have experienced highs in recent years, including European competition appearances, but relegation in 2024 and a disappointing lower-division campaign have left them struggling. Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, enjoyed their best-ever La Liga finish last season and are more confident in cup competitions.
Team Form Analysis
Granada
The Andalusian side has had a tough start to this season. They have only four wins so far, leaving them deep in a fight for league survival. Their most recent match ended in a narrow 2-3 loss to Almería, continuing a winless run of four consecutive matches.
Granada average 1.11 goals scored per game and concede 1.26 goals, reflecting their ongoing struggles at both ends of the pitch. Despite this, they have shown they can compete in the Copa del Rey, with decisive wins over Roda (5-1) and Tenerife (1-0).
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano are in better shape overall, thanks to their historic eighth-place finish last season which secured Conference League qualification. While domestic form has dipped slightly, their cup performances have been impressive, including a 6-1 demolition of Yuncos and a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Ávila after extra time.
This season, Rayo Vallecano average 0.78 goals scored and 1.17 conceded per match, highlighting a pragmatic and controlled approach in both domestic and cup games.
Key Statistics and Trends
Granada are winless in four consecutive matches
Average goals per match: 1.11 scored / 1.26 conceded
58% of Granada’s matches see both teams score
Average total goals in Granada matches: 2.37
Rayo Vallecano have won three of their last seven matches
Average goals per match: 0.78 scored / 1.17 conceded
33% of Rayo Vallecano’s matches see both teams score
Average total goals in Rayo Vallecano matches: 1.94
Head-to-head: Granada have drawn twice in the last eleven meetings; the rest were Rayo Vallecano victories
Probable Starting Lineups
Granada (probable lineup)
Zidane – Ormigo, Castro, Oppong, Castro – Gagnidze, Alcaraz, Trigueros – Rodelas, Bouldini, Saenz
Rayo Vallecano (probable lineup)
Batalla – Vertraud, Luis Felipe, Lejeune, Balliu – Gumbau, Unai Lopez, Diaz – Francisco Perez, Ratiu, Camello
Odds Analysis
Betting Market | Selection | Odds | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
Match Result | Rayo Vallecano Win | 2.25 | Madrid side historically dominates Granada in H2H |
Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.70 | Both teams show moderate scoring; cup matches can be tactical |
Both Teams to Score | No | 1.80 | Granada’s inconsistency vs Rayo’s solid defense |
Correct Score | Granada 1–2 Rayo Vallecano | 6.00 | Reflects likely controlled away victory |
Free Prediction for Granada vs Rayo Vallecano
Despite their league struggles, Rayo Vallecano’s cup performances suggest they are the side to back. Granada may make life difficult at home, but the visitors have the quality to progress.
Best Bet: Rayo Vallecano Win
Recommended Odds: 2.25
Predicted Score: Granada 1–2 Rayo Vallecano
