The February 1, 2025, The clash between Rayo Vallecano and CD Leganés at Butarque Stadium promises high stakes for both sides. Leganés, battling relegation, aims to leverage home advantage, while Rayo Vallecano eyes European qualification. This 3,000-word analysis dissects the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups, tactical setups, and player roles that could define this Madrid derby.

Match Context and Stakes

• Leganés: 16th place (23 points), 3 points above relegation.
• Rayo Vallecano: 7th place (29 points), 1 point behind European spots.
• Head-to-Head: Rayo leads 7-6 in 24 meetings, but Leganés is unbeaten in three LaLiga derbies.

Leganés Lineup: Defensive Solidity Meets Counterattacking Threat

Formation: 5-4-1 (Transitioning to 3-4-3 in Attack)
Manager Borja Jiménez prioritizes defensive organization, using a back-five to neutralize opponents.

Predicted Starting XI

Position	Player	Key Stats (2024-25)	Role
GK	Marko Dmitrovic	43 saves, 5 clean sheets	Commanding presence in aerial duels
RWB	Adria Altimira	17 tackles, 83% pass acc	Overlapping runs on the right
CB	Valentin Rosier	26 interceptions	Ball-playing defender
CB	Sergio González (C)	2 goals, 19 clearances	Leadership and set-piece threat
CB	Matija Nastasic	12 tackles, 88% duels won	Positioning and composure
LWB	Juan Cruz	4 goals, 3 assists	Dynamic two-way full-back
CM	Seydouba Cissé	32 passes/game, 2 goals	Ball recovery and distribution
CM	Yvan Neyou	29 passes/game, 3 key tackles	Box-to-box energy
RW	Miguel de la Fuente	3 assists, 14 dribbles	Direct wing play
LW	Darko Brasanac	33 interceptions, 2 assists	Defensive cover and creativity
ST	Daniel Raba	4 goals, 4 assists	Target man and link-up play

 

Tactical Notes

• Defensive Structure: Leganés averages 52% possession but focuses on compact defensive blocks. Their 5-4-1 morphs into a 3-4-3 during counters, with Cruz and Altimira pushing high.
• Set-Piece Reliance: 40% of goals come from dead balls, leveraging González’s aerial prowess (1.89m) and Raba’s movement.
• Key Absence: Left-back Enric Franquesa (muscle injury) weakens depth, forcing Cruz to play 90 minutes.

Rayo Vallecano Lineup: Pressing and Flank Dominance

Formation: 4-2-3-1 (Fluid Transition to 4-3-3)
Manager Iñigo Pérez emphasizes high pressing and wide play to exploit spaces.

Predicted Starting XI

Position	Player	Key Stats (2024-25)	Role
GK	Stole Batalla	29 saves, 4 clean sheets	Reflex saves and distribution
RB	Andrei Ratiu	4 assists, 18 crosses	Overlapping runs and crossing
CB	Florian Lejeune	21 clearances, 2 assists	Leadership and long balls
CB	Abdul Mumin	15 tackles, 89% duels won	Physicality and pace
LB	Alfonso Espino	12 interceptions, 3 assists	Inverted full-back role
CDM	Pathe Ciss	5 tackles/game, 88% pass acc	Shield for defense
CDM	Unai López	4 assists, 33 passes/game	Deep-lying playmaker
RW	Jorge de Frutos	4 goals, 2 assists	Dribbling and cut-ins
CAM	Isi Palazón	3 goals, 3 assists	Creative hub and set-pieces
LW	Adrián Embarba	5 assists, 20 key passes	Crossing and link-up play
ST	Randy Nteka	5 goals, 2 assists	Hold-up play and finishing

 

Tactical Notes

• Pressing Triggers: Rayo ranks 3rd in LaLiga for high turnovers (12/game), led by Palazón’s 4.3 pressures/90.
• Wing Overloads: De Frutos (21 dribbles) and Embarba (20 key passes) stretch defenses, creating space for Nteka.
• Suspension Risks: Ciss and López have four yellows each; a booking would rule them out of the next match.

Head-to-Head Tactical Battles

1. Juan Cruz vs Jorge de Frutos

• Cruz’s defensive work rate (3.2 tackles/game) clashes with De Frutos’ flair (4.1 dribbles/game).
• Key: If Cruz tucks inward, De Frutos could exploit gaps with Ratiu’s overlaps.

2. Sergio González vs Randy Nteka

• González’s aerial dominance (65% won) vs Nteka’s physicality (1.87m, 3 headed goals).
• Set-Piece Alert: Both teams score 35% of goals from set plays.

3. Midfield Duel: Cissé/López vs Neyou/Brasanac

• Rayo’s double pivot (Ciss-López) averages 8.2 interceptions/game, countering Leganés’ direct midfield play.

Recent Form and Lineup Impact

Leganés (W-D-W-W-D)

• Defensive Resilience: Conceded 3 goals in 5 games, with Dmitrovic making 15 saves.
• Counterattacking Efficiency: Raba’s 4 assists stem from quick transitions via Brasanac and De la Fuente.

Rayo Vallecano (W-W-L-D-W)

• Unbeaten in 7: 3 wins, 4 draws in LaLiga since December, fueled by Nteka’s 3 goals.
• Away Struggles: 14 points from 11 away games; need better finishing against low blocks.

Injury Updates and Squad Depth

• Leganés: Missing Franquesa; limited bench options for wing-backs.
• Rayo Vallecano: Full squad available but thin in central defense if Lejeune tires.

Predicted Game Flow

1. First 20 Minutes: Rayo dominates possession, testing Leganés’ back five with crosses.
2. 30–60 Minutes: Leganés counters via Raba and Brasanac, targeting Rayo’s high defensive line.
3. Final 30 Minutes: Rayo introduces fresher wingers (Álvaro García) to exploit tiring Leganés full-backs.

Key Stats to Watch

• Leganés: 0.9 goals/game, 1.2 xG.
• Rayo Vallecano: 1.2 goals/game, 1.5 xG.
• Last Meeting: 1-1 draw (September 2024), decided by Raba’s equalizer.

Conclusion: Lineup Decisions That Could Decide the Derby

The Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups reveal a clash of styles: Leganés’ defensive rigidity against Rayo’s pressing intensity. Juan Cruz’s marauding runs and Jorge de Frutos’ dribbling will be pivotal, while set-pieces could tip the balance. With European dreams and survival at stake, tactical discipline and individual brilliance will write the next chapter in this Madrid rivalry.For fans analyzing the Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups, this match underscores how strategic setups and player form shape LaLiga’s unpredictable drama. Whether Leganés’ low block holds firm or Rayo’s width unlocks the game, the lineups promise a tactical chess match under Butarque’s lights.