Match Preview: Neman vs Rayo Vallecano

The inaugural playoff fixture of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa Conference League qualification stage will feature Belarusian club Neman taking on Spanish side Rayo Vallecano. This crucial encounter is scheduled for August 21st at the Szent Gellért Forum in Szeged, Hungary. This comprehensive preview offers insights, odds, and key statistics for the Neman vs. Rayo Vallecano clash.

Neman Team Overview

Road to the Playoffs

The Belarusian outfit barely scraped through the previous round against KÍ Klaksvík. Igor Kovalevich’s squad suffered a 0-2 defeat in the first leg but managed a remarkable comeback in the return match, winning 2-0 before triumphing 5-4 in the penalty shootout. This achievement marks the first time Neman has advanced through three consecutive qualification rounds in their European competition history. Notably, the team has remained undefeated in 5 of their last 6 Europa Conference League encounters (4 wins, 1 draw).

Home Performance Insights

• The club has avoided defeat in regular time in 5 of their last 7 home matches in the Europa Conference League (3 wins, 2 draws).
• The team has scored in the second half in 5 of their last 6 home games in this European competition.
• The Belarusians have not conceded more than one goal in regular time in 5 of their last 7 home fixtures in the Europa Conference League.

Neman’s Projected Starting XI (4-5-1)*

Max Belov – Konstantin Kuchinsky, Egor Parkhomenko, Ivan Sadovnichy, Yuri Pantya – Oleg Evdokimov, Andrei Yakimov, Mikhail Kozlov, Sergei Pushnyakov, Anton Suchkov – Pavel Savitsky.

Rayo Vallecano Team Overview

European Ambitions and Recent Form

The Spanish club is participating in a European competition for only the second time in their history. Previously, during the 2000/01 season, Rayo Vallecano competed in the UEFA Cup, reaching the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Alavés. Iñigo Pérez’s side has played just one official match this season, securing an impressive 3-1 away victory against Girona in the opening round of La Liga. Additionally, the team engaged in four pre-season friendly matches, recording two wins, one draw, and one defeat.

Away Performance Trends

• The team has avoided defeat in 9 of their last 13 away matches in La Liga (6 wins, 3 draws).
• At least three goals have been scored in 5 of the club’s last 7 away league fixtures.
• Rayo Vallecano has scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 10 of their last 13 away La Liga matches.

Rayo Vallecano’s Projected Starting XI (4-5-1)*

Augusto Batalla – Florian Lejeune, Andrei Ratiu, Pep Chavarría, Luis Felipe – Pathé Ciss, Isi Palazón, Álvaro García, Unai López, Pedro Díaz – Jorge de Frutos.

Match Official

Arda Kardeşler (Turkey)

Referee Statistics (2024/25–2025/26 International Matches)

Matches officiated – 6;

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 14;

Average yellow cards per match – 2.3;

Red cards shown – 0;

Average fouls per match – 25;

Penalties awarded – 33%.

Neman vs Rayo Vallecano Match Prediction

Neman’s Home Resilience

The Belarusian side faces a formidable opponent in this round, yet Neman is expected to put up a strong fight against the Spanish visitors. Especially noteworthy is their home record in the current Europa Conference League campaign, where they remain undefeated, securing two victories and one draw. Furthermore, the Grodno-based team plays with attacking intent and scores regularly: they have failed to find the net in only one of their last seven home matches in the Europa Conference League.

Rayo Vallecano’s Attacking Prowess and Defensive Gaps

Even when playing away in the Spanish championship, Rayo Vallecano typically adopts an offensive approach. Consequently, the team rarely struggles to break down opposing defenses: they have scored in 11 of their previous 13 away La Liga fixtures. However, the Spanish side’s defense isn’t always reliable: in their last 12 away league matches, Rayo Vallecano has kept a clean sheet on just three occasions.

Final Prediction

I anticipate an effective attacking display from both teams. Therefore, my prediction for this match is: “Both Teams to Score – Yes”.

* For each team, the starting lineup from their previous match is provided.