Preview: Slovan Bratislava vs Rayo Vallecano - prediction, team news, lineups

Slovan Bratislava welcome Rayo Vallecano to Tehelne Pole on Thursday evening for a crucial UEFA Conference League clash on matchday four.

The Slovak champions are in a difficult position, sitting 34th in the league-phase standings with zero points, while their Spanish visitors head into this contest in strong shape, occupying sixth place with seven points.

Match preview

Slovan Bratislava have endured a torrid European campaign so far, losing all three of their Conference League fixtures and leaving them with a mountain to climb to keep their knockout hopes alive.

Their latest continental setback came in a 3-1 defeat away to Kuopion Palloseura, a result that extended their winless European run to three matches and underlined the struggles they have faced against stronger opposition.

Their home form in Europe offers little encouragement either, having already suffered defeat in their only Conference League outing at Tehelne pole this season.

Despite these troubles, Vladimir Weiss’s side remain a dominant force domestically as they currently sit second in the Slovak Super Liga.

They have shown impressive form on home soil, winning four of their last five matches in all competitions.

Their most recent league outing ended in a narrow but valuable 1-0 away victory over MFK Skalica, highlighting their ability to grind out results when needed.

However, the sharp contrast between their domestic success and continental struggles underlines the step-up in quality required at this level.

Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, have adapted far more smoothly to European football.

They are currently among the early frontrunners in the Conference League after picking up seven points from their opening three fixtures.

With two wins and a draw, the Spanish side have a goal difference of seven scored and four conceded, demonstrating both attacking intent and defensive vulnerability.

Their latest European outing was a thrilling 3-2 home victory over Lech Poznan, a performance that highlighted their resilience and ability to respond under pressure.

Rayo’s away European record remains limited but respectable, having earned a draw from their only road fixture so far, and they will view this trip as a chance to strengthen their position in the top eight.

Domestically, however, Inigo Perez’s side have been less convincing; they currently sit 13th in La Liga, with four wins, four draws and five defeats from 13 matches.

They have also failed to score in their last two games - a goalless draw against Real Madrid and another 0-0 stalemate versus Real Oviedo - which raises slight concerns going forward.

This contest will mark the first-ever competitive meeting between Slovan Bratislava and Rayo Vallecano.

Slovan Bratislava Conference League form:

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Slovan Bratislava form (all competitions):

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Rayo Vallecano Conference League form:

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Rayo Vallecano form (all competitions):

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Team News

Slovan Bratislava will be without Sandro Cruz, who continues serving suspension following his red card against AZ Alkmaar.

Dominik Takac is expected to continue in goal, with Cesar Blackman, Kenan Bajric and Guram Kashia forming the heart of the defence.

In attack, Robert Mak and Andraz Sporar should lead the line, while Rahim Ibrahim and Danylo Ihnatenko are likely to anchor the midfield and dictate the tempo.

For Rayo Vallecano, Alfonso Espino remains doubtful due to a physical issue, although Pep Chavarria has returned from suspension and could slot straight back into the starting XI.

Abdul Mumin is still ruled out with a long-term cruciate ligament injury and is targeting a return early next month.

Pedro Diaz will also miss this game due to a ligament problem, while Randy Nteka remains a doubt.

Slovan Bratislava possible starting lineup:

Takac; Blackman, Bajri, Kashia, Wimmer; Ibrahim, Ihnatenko, Gajdos; Barseghyan, Sporar, Mak

Rayo Vallecano possible starting lineup:

Batalla; Chavarria, Vertrouwd, Lejeune, Balliu; Lopez, Gumbau, Trejo; Garcia, Camello, Isi

We say: Slovan Bratislava 0-1 Rayo Vallecano

Slovan Bratislava may look to draw confidence from their domestic form, but their struggles at the European level cannot be ignored.

Rayo Vallecano have shown greater composure and quality in this competition so far, and while it may not be a high-scoring affair, their superior organisation should be enough to edge out a narrow 1-0 victory.

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