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

Neman Grodno will aim to cause an upset on Thursday evening when they take on Spanish visitors Rayo Vallecano in the first leg of their Europa Conference League playoff at the Szent Gellert Forum.

The hosts advanced through the previous qualifying rounds in dramatic fashion, while Rayo kicked off their La Liga campaign with an impressive away victory.

Match preview

Neman began their Conference League journey in the first qualifying round, winning both legs and scoring six goals in the process.

Their form in the second round was mixed, edging a 3-2 away win against FC Kosice before being held to a 1-1 draw in the return fixture.

In the third round, Igor Kovalevich’s side staged a spirited comeback - after losing 2-0 away to KI in the first leg, they responded with a 2-0 win at home to level the tie on aggregate, before holding their nerve to progress on penalties.

Now in the playoff stage for the very first time, the Belarusian outfit will be hoping to complete the job and secure a historic place in the league phase.

Recent form has been steady, with three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five outings, though five goals conceded in that period highlight their defensive vulnerabilities.

Domestically, Neman have consistently challenged near the top of the Belarusian Premier League since finishing second in 2023.

However, they currently sit seventh after 15 matches this season, with nine wins, one draw and five defeats for a total of 28 points.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Neman and Rayo in any competition, although the Nemantsy do not have happy memories of recent continental campaigns.

Last season, they crashed out in the second round after a heavy 5-0 defeat to CFR Cluj, while their debut appearance in 2023-24 ended in a 5-1 aggregate loss to NK Celje in the third round.

Rayo, meanwhile, arrive in confident mood after a 3-1 win at Girona in their La Liga opener, courtesy of goals from Alvaro Garcia Rivera, Isi Palazon and Jorge de Frutos, with Joel Roca grabbing a consolation for the hosts.

Inigo Perez’s side finished eighth in Spain’s top flight last season, collecting 52 points from 13 wins, 13 draws and 12 defeats, a return that earned them qualification for this competition.

The Madrid-based side enjoyed a mixed pre-season, winning two of their four friendlies, though their tally of 12 goals scored against only four conceded was an encouraging sign.

Unlike Neman, this is Rayo’s first-ever appearance in the Conference League, and they will be eager to make a statement by advancing to the league stage.

Neman Conference League form:

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Rayo Vallecano form (all competitions):

Team News

Neman will be without forward Leonard Gweth, who is recovering from Achilles tendon surgery and will play no part in this fixture.

Ivan Sadownichy and Egor Parkhomenko are expected to partner once again in central defence, while Andrey Yakimov, Mikhail Kazlow and Sergey Pushnyakov should form the midfield trio.

For Rayo, Ghanaian defender Abdul Mumin remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury sustained in March, though he has resumed light training and continues his recovery.

Pelayo Fernandez is in contention to start after impressing with a 45-minute cameo against Girona, likely partnering Florian Lejeune at the back.

Jorge de Frutos will be key after opening his account for the season and providing an assist in the opening weekend, while new arrivals Luiz Felipe and Gerard Gumbau have already debuted.

Goalkeeper Fran Perez and youngster Jozhua Vertrouwd may also push for their first appearances.

Neman possible starting lineup:

Belov; Kuchinsky, Sadownichy, Parkhomenko, Pantya; Yakimov, Kazlow; Yevdokimov, Pushnyakov, Suchkow; Savitski

Rayo Vallecano possible starting lineup:

Batalla; Chavarria, Fernandez, Lejeune, Ratiu; Lopez, Ciss; Garcia, Diaz, Palazon; De Frutos