Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés Lineups: Complete Breakdown, Analysis & Key Highlights

The Rayo Vallecano vs CD Leganés rivalry may not grab international headlines every week, but when these two Madrid-area teams meet, it’s a tactical showdown. Fans care deeply about formations, substitutions, and player roles—because in matchups like this, every lineup decision can swing momentum.

In this deep-dive, we’ll revisit their January 31, 2025 LaLiga meet, unpack recent trends, spotlight key performers like Pathé Ciss and Isi Palazón, and show why these lineup choices define the flow of the game.

1. Recent Match Recap: January 31, 2025 at Butarque

Match Details:

• Date: January 31, 2025

• Venue: Estadio Municipal de Butarque

• Competition: LaLiga Round 22

• Final Score: Rayo Vallecano 1–0 CD Leganés

• Match-Winner: Pathé Ciss (78′)

A tight contest in Leganés ended with Rayo narrowly edging it thanks to a decisive midfield drive from Ciss. Now, let’s explore how both teams lined up—and why those choices mattered.

2. Rayo Vallecano’s Strategy and Starting XI (4‑2‑3‑1)

Formation: 4‑2‑3‑1
Starting Lineup:

• GK: Augusto Batalla

• RB: Andrei Ratiu

• CB: Florian Lejeune

• CB: Abdul Mumin

• LB: Pep Chavarría

• DM: Pathé Ciss, Unai López

• RW: Jorge de Frutos

• CAM: Isi Palazón

• LW: Álvaro García

• ST: Randy Nteka

Substitutes (2H):

• Álvaro García (73′)

• Unai López (76′)

• Jorge de Frutos (79′)

Tactical Insight

Coach Francisco’s 4‑2‑3‑1 was all about midfield control and attacking width. The double pivot (Ciss, López) balanced defensive discipline with the freedom for Ciss to surge forward—ultimately setting up the goal. Palazón tied it all together creatively, offering vision and sudden bursts of playmaking. The substitutions around the 70th minute refreshed the flanks, injecting pace when the game needed an extra spark.

3. CD Leganés’s Defensive Shape (5‑4‑1)

Formation: 5‑4‑1
Starting Lineup:

• GK: Marko Dmitrović

• RWB: Adrià Altimira

• CB: Sergio González (c), Matija Nastasić, Jorge Sáenz

• LWB: Iker Bachiller

• RM: Yvan Neyou

• CM: Seydouba Cissé

• LM: Dani Raba, Óscar Rodríguez

• ST: Munir El Haddadi

Substitutes (2H):

• Darko Brašanac (62′)

• Javi Hernández

• Roberto López

Tactical Insight

Borja Jiménez opted for a low-block 5‑4‑1 designed to frustrate Rayo’s build-up and hit them on the counter. The midfield block featured creative outlets (Rodríguez) and disruptors (Cissé, Neyou), while wingbacks Altimira and Bachiller offered occasional overlaps. Unfortunately, the plan fell short as Rayo’s consistent pressure and sub-driven width cut through the deep block.

4. Lineup Comparison: Strategies at a Glance

The contrast couldn’t be more drastic: Rayo pushed forward with creativity and width, while Leganés looked to absorb pressure and strike when opportunities emerged.

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5. Key Players in Focus

Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano)

• Position: Defensive Midfielder

• Match-Winner: Scored decisive goal in the 78th minute

• Performance: Controlled defensive midfield, disrupted Leganés attacks, timed his forward run perfectly to break the tie.

Isi Palazón (Rayo Vallecano)

• Position: Attacking Midfielder

• Creative Heart: Linked midfield to attack, orchestrated plays, scored 1 key assist pass

• Impact: Had Rayo’s best passing accuracy and chances created—his vision unlocked the Leganés block.

Marko Dmitrović (CD Leganés)

• Position: Goalkeeper

• Performance: Made several sharp saves to keep the scoreline tight

• Impact: Without his reactions, Leganés may have conceded earlier.

6. Substitution Tactics & Bench Impact

Rayo’s Moves:

• Álvaro García came on to add attacking speed down the left flank, stretching the defense.

• Unai López and de Frutos offered fresh legs and maintained Rayo’s intensity and shape.

Leganés’s Approach:

• Darko Brašanac and Javi Hernández were brought in to shore up midfield and defense.

• The moves, however, felt reactionary—too little too late to shift the tempo.

7. Managerial Insights: Strategy vs. Structure

Francisco (Rayo Vallecano):

• Aggressive midfield control with rotation and width.

• Managed the timing of substitutions to reinvigorate the attack.

Borja Jiménez (CD Leganés):

• Focused on compactness and structure.

• Relied on counters and caution, but lacked proactivity when chasing goals.

8. Atmosphere at Estadio de Butarque

• Attendance: Around 11,432 passionate Leganés supporters

• Mood: Hopeful until the goal, then a low hum as Rayo’s structure controlled the late game

• Insight: This fixture might not dominate national headlines, but the local rivalry brings plenty of heat.

9. Historical Trends: Lineup Patterns Across Rivalries

From their last five encounters:

• Rayo frequently deployed offensive shapes (4‑2‑3‑1, 4‑3‑3), pushing tempo and transitional speed

• Leganés consistently leaned on 5‑3‑2 or 5‑4‑1, playing deep and hoping to punish mistakes

• Palazón and El Haddadi featured prominently, reinforcing their status as keystones for their teams

10. Conclusion: Lineups Shape the Story

This matchup wouldn’t have unfolded the same way if either team had adjusted their formation or substitutions. Rayo’s possession, width, and decisive subs paid off. Leganés’s compact defense kept hope alive—but ultimately couldn’t withstand Rayo’s mid‑second‑half surge.

In fixtures like this, the starting eleven isn’t just a lineup—it’s the blueprint for a coach’s plan, mentality, and intent. And in this case, Rayo’s blueprint came together when it mattered most.