The first La Liga match of 2026 takes us to Vallecas for a Madrid derby between two sides sitting in the lower half of the table. Rayo Vallecano and Getafe enter the new year with identical scoring records—just 13 goals each in 17 matches—setting the stage for a tight, physical contest.

Historically, this fixture has favored the cagey side of football. Rayo have not lost in their last eight league meetings with Getafe and have kept clean sheets in the last four encounters across all competitions. While Rayo prefers possession (avg 54.2%) and attacking width, Getafe brings a contrasting style built on aerial dominance (16.1 aerials won per game) and disrupting the opponent’s rhythm.

Key Factors to Watch:

• Styles Clash: Rayo takes 13.6 shots per game to Getafe’s 9.6, but Getafe dominates the air. It is possession vs physicality.
• Absent Finisher: Rayo are missing top scorer Jorge de Frutos (knee), a massive blow to an attack that already struggles to convert chances.
• Getafe’s Away Woes: The visitors have failed to score in five of their last six league away games.

The Verdict: With both teams coming off heavy defeats to end 2025 and lacking their sharpest attacking tools, this match will likely be decided by a single moment of quality—or a mistake.