Preview: Girona vs Rayo Vallecano - prediction, team news, lineups

The 2025-26 La Liga campaign will officially begin at Estadi Montilivi on Friday evening, with Girona welcoming Rayo Vallecano for what is shaping up to be an intriguing affair.

Girona finished 16th in Spain's top flight last season, only one point above the relegation zone, while Rayo Vallecano claimed eighth, qualifying for the Conference League playoff round in the process.

Match preview

There is no getting away from the fact that 2024-25 proved to be a disappointing campaign for Girona, with the team struggling after an outstanding 2023-24, which saw them finish up in third spot in the table.

The Catalan outfit struggled to balance European and domestic commitments last season and ultimately ended the campaign in 16th, only one point clear of the relegation zone.

Michel's side have made four signings this summer, and it would be fair to say that they have focused on quality rather than quantity, adding Hugo Rincon, Axel Witsel, Vitor Reis and Thomas Lemar to their squad.

There have also been a number of departures, so there be a fresh look to the team this season, which was certainly needed, and the fact that there will be no European football in 2025-26 should aid their domestic performances.

Girona played out a goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano in the corresponding game between the two sides last season, but the capital outfit won the reverse game 2-1 in front of their own fans in January 2025.

Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, had a strong 2024-25 campaign, finishing up in eighth spot in the table, and they have secured a spot in the playoff round for the Conference League.

Inigo Perez's side were only three points behind seventh-placed Celta Vigo last term and will again be looking to push for the European spots this season, but they were 17th in 2023-24, so a relegation battle cannot be ruled out.

The capital team are set to play in Europe for just the second time in their history, but it would be a huge blow if they were unable to progress to the league phase of the Conference League.

Rayo Vallecano have also made four signings this summer, with the biggest of those in terms of a transfer fee proving to be Augusto Batalla, who has arrived on a permanent basis from River Plate following a successful loan spell.

Only two players have left the club on free transfers, so there will again be a familiar look to the squad this season, and it will be fascinating to see what the Madrid side can achieve in 2025-26.

Girona pre-season form:

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Rayo Vallecano pre-season form:

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Team News

Girona are set to be without Miguel Gutierrez due to an ankle issue, while the defender is also expected to join Napoli, so he is unlikely to be involved even if he is deemed available for selection.

Ricard Artero, Ivan Martin, Donny van de Beek and Abel Ruiz are also set to miss out with injury problems, but there will be some debutants on display for the home side on Friday night.

Indeed, Rincon, Witsel and Reis should all start at the back, while there is expected to be a spot in the final third of the field for Lemar, who has joined the club on loan from Atletico.

As for Rayo Vallecano, Batalla is set to make his official debut between the sticks, having now made the move to the Madrid club on a permanent basis.

Fellow new arrival Luiz Felipe is in line to feature in the middle of the defence, but Jozhua Vertrouwd and Gerard Gumbau are both expected to start on the bench.

Abdul Mumin is Rayo Vallecano's only injury doubt at this stage of proceedings, with the defender potentially missing the contest due to a muscular problem.

Girona possible starting lineup:

Gazzaniga; Rincon, Witsel, Reis, Blind; Herrera, Solis; Tsygankov, Lemar, Asprilla; Miovski

Rayo Vallecano possible starting lineup:

Batalla; Balliu, Felipe, Lejeune, Espino; Palazon, Ciss, Valentin, A Garcia; De Frutos, Nteka

We say: Girona 1-1 Rayo Vallecano

It is always difficult to know exactly what to expect in the opening match of a new season, but we can see a low-scoring draw here, which would go down as a solid start for both teams.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.