Rayo Vallecano v Deportivo Alavés: LaLiga 2026-27 matchweek 2 preview

Rayo Vallecano will host Deportivo Alavés at the Estadio de Vallecas on August 21 in matchweek 2 of the LaLiga 2026-27 season, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 am IST. Rayo arrive after a 1-2 opening-day loss to Sevilla, while Alavés opened with a 3-0 victory over Getafe.

Rayo, coached by Beñat San José, took an early lead against Sevilla but conceded two second-half penalties that turned the game around, prompting concerns over defensive execution. Quique Sánchez Flores’s Deportivo Alavés produced a more controlled display against Getafe, taking the lead in the 73rd minute and adding two late goals to complete a 3-0 win.

Álvaro García, 33, was Rayo’s lone scorer in the 1-2 defeat to Sevilla, netting after four minutes and helping his side establish early control; the preview notes he is expected to play an important role for the hosts. Rayo will seek to convert their home advantage at Vallecas into a positive result to avoid early-season pressure.

Nahuel Tenaglia, 30, was highlighted as Alavés’s standout performer against Getafe, scoring and contributing to control on the right flank as part of the Babazorros’ attacking and defensive balance. Mariano Díaz and Mikel Rodríguez supplied the late goals that rounded off Alavés’s 3-0 victory.

Team news lists Rayo as having all players fit for selection, while Deportivo Alavés will be without Facundo Garces due to suspension and may also be without Lucas Boye because of fitness concerns. Probable lineups provided in the preview are: Rayo — Batalla (GK); Ratiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Balliu; Lopez, Valentin; De Frutos, Palazon, Garcia; Nteka. Deportivo Alavés — Sivera (GK); Tenaglia, Koski, Jonny; Perez, Ibanez, Blanco, Suarez, Rebbach; Martinez, Manas.

Broadcasters for the fixture include Movistar, DAZN and Teledeporte in Spain, and ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes in the United States; streaming and updates are also mentioned as available via the FanCode app and website, with further coverage on Khel Now’s social channels.

The preview notes Rayo’s home-ground advantage gives them a slight edge but emphasises Alavés’s confidence from consecutive strong performances, concluding that Deportivo Alavés are likely to secure a win in this LaLiga clash.

The match is scheduled to take place at the Estadio de Vallecas on August 21 at 12:30 am IST.