Rayo Vallecano

Propping up the LaLiga table in 19th position with zero points on the board, Rayo Vallecano nevertheless carry an air of defiant resilience that belies their precarious standing. Los Franjirrojos enter the campaign riding a remarkable WWDDW run that saw them go unbeaten in three of their last five matches—a spell punctuated by a thunderous 2-0 statement victory over high-flying Villarreal at Estadio de Vallecas. That triumph showcased the fighting spirit of Spanish football's smallest squad, with just 15 players at manager Íñigo Pérez's disposal. Their momentum was only halted by a narrow 1-2 setback away to Alavés last time out, but the damage to their confidence appears minimal. Jorge de Frutos remains the talismanic figure, his 12 goals accounting for more than a third of Rayo's entire league output—the electric right winger transforming counter-attacks into devastation with blistering pace. Danish maestro Matt O'Riley orchestrates from midfield while Ilias Akhomach provides creativity on the flank, proving that tactical solidarity and tireless running can still trouble the division's giants. In Vallecas, heart counts as much as resources.

Aggressive, high-intensity pressing with direct vertical transitions through wide channels, favoring counter-attacking football and tireless running to disrupt possession-based opponents.