- Rayo Vallecano have won four of their last five competitive matches against Deportivo Alavés
- Alavés have won three consecutive Copa del Rey ties, including a 1-0 win at Sevilla
- Both teams are hovering just above the bottom six in LaLiga with 19 points each - Alavés with five wins in 19, Rayo with four in 18
Set-piece duel could decide derby clash
The contrast in style between Deportivo Alaves and Rayo Vallecano could make for an interesting chess match that may well be decided in transition or from set-pieces when the two sides meet in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey 2025-26 on Wednesday. This Deportivo Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano preview highlights the tactical battle expected between the two teams. Eduardo ‘Chacho’ Coudet’s men are a high-energy team that press aggressively and have been solid defensively since he took charge but they are also a team that plays in a structured way with players in positions where they can disrupt the opponent’s build-up.
Our Deportivo Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano prediction will certainly focus on the ability of each side to make the most of these tight situations, especially given their form in recent rounds. Coudet’s addition to the game has been to make them more compact and intense while also ensuring they get their set-piece routines right. They have more depth in attack with Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez providing rotation options up front and the Argentine forward scored Alaves’ late equaliser against Oviedo, but Carlos Vicente has been their key player this season. He won the penalty that saw Alaves past Sevilla in their last round of the cup, providing width and directness in attack and tenacity in defence.
Looking at the Deportivo Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano betting tips, Pablo Ibáñez has brought some physicality and balance to the midfield since arriving, while Denis Suárez and Carles Aleñá bring creativity and tempo when they are fully fit. Rayo have been built around the principles of chaos and organisation with Iñigo Pérez’s team high-pressing and breaking with pace to exploit the transitions.
