The rivalry between Rayo Vallecano and CD Leganés has been growing steadily in Spanish football, particularly as both teams frequently compete in LaLiga and Segunda División. When these two Madrid-based clubs face off, fans expect not only fierce competition but also strategic mastery on the field. One of the most searched aspects leading up to — and following — their matches is the lineups: who started, what formations were used, and which substitutions made a real impact. In this in-depth article, we’ll examine everything you need to know about Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups, focusing on the most recent clash, historical lineup trends, tactical formations, key player selections, and what these choices reveal about each team’s strategy.
Recent Match Recap: January 31, 2025 – Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés
Before diving into deeper lineup insights, let’s first revisit the most recent meeting between Rayo Vallecano and CD Leganés in the LaLiga 2024–2025 season, which took place at Estadio Municipal de Butarque.
Coach Francisco’s decision to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation allowed for solid midfield control and wide distribution. The pairing of Ciss and López provided a defensive base, while Isi Palazón played the creative lynchpin role behind Nteka. Substitutions were tactically timed to add energy and pace in the second half — primarily through Álvaro García, who consistently threatens on the flank.
CD Leganés Starting Lineup (5-4-1 Formation)
Position
Player
Goalkeeper
Marko Dmitrović
Right Back
Adrià Altimira
Center Back
Sergio González (c)
Center Back
Matija Nastasić
Center Back
Jorge Sáenz
Left Back
Iker Bachiller
Midfielder
Yvan Neyou
Midfielder
Seydouba Cissé
Midfielder
Dani Raba
Midfielder
Óscar Rodríguez
Striker
Munir El Haddadi
Substitutes Used:
Darko Brašanac (62’)
Javi Hernández
Roberto López
Tactical Insight:
Leganés entered the game with a defensive 5-4-1 structure, prioritising stability and counterattacking. The midfield featured both creativity (Rodríguez) and defensive grit (Cissé, Neyou). Unfortunately, despite their compactness, they couldn’t hold off Rayo’s second-half pressure. Leganés lacked attacking width and fluidity, and Munir El Haddadi found himself isolated up front.
Impact: Scored the winning goal in the 78th minute
Performance: Controlled the midfield, broke up play, and surged forward when necessary. His positioning and timing were critical.
Isi Palazón
Role: Attacking Midfielder
Impact: Central creative force
Performance: Displayed flair and vision, linking midfield with the striker and wide players.
Marko Dmitrović (CD Leganés)
Role: Goalkeeper
Impact: Made multiple key saves
Performance: Despite conceding one, he kept Leganés in the match with acrobatic stops.
Substitution Strategy & Bench Strength
Both coaches made calculated substitutions in the second half to shift momentum. Rayo’s subs, particularly Álvaro García, added much-needed speed, stretching Leganés’ compact back line. Meanwhile, Leganés attempted to reinforce their midfield and backline with Brašanac and Hernández — but lacked the spark to generate real chances in the final third.
Managerial Approaches
Francisco (Rayo Vallecano)
Emphasized ball progression through central midfield.
Relied on wide overloads and overlapping runs.
Intelligent game management with subs around the 70-minute mark.
Borja Jiménez (CD Leganés)
Structured a cautious, defence-first setup.
I tried to strike on the counter via Munir and Dani Raba.
Substitutions were too reactive rather than proactive.
Atmosphere at Estadio Butarque
Attendance: 11,432
Fans were vibrant and hopeful, given Leganés’ home form. However, Rayo’s organised display kept the crowd subdued after the goal was scored.
This fixture remains one of the most underrated rivalries in Madrid.
To understand current lineup patterns, let’s examine how the two teams have performed in their past five meetings.
Tactical Trends:
Rayo Vallecano often employs attacking formations (4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3).
Leganés typically leans into defensive tactics (5-3-2 or 5-4-1), especially in away matches.
Key players like Isi Palazón (Rayo) and Munir El Haddadi (Leganés) consistently feature.
Conclusion: Why Lineups Define the Match
The Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés lineups are not merely a list of names; they are reflections of each coach’s strategy, each club’s resources, and the psychological battles that unfold on the pitch. From Ciss’s game-winning midfield mastery to Leganés’ defensive formation gambles, the choices made before kickoff set the tone for 90 minutes of drama.
