Augusto Batalla
RAYGives up late equalizer
Batalla made three saves and allowed one goal in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Girona.
Analysis: Batalla cost Rayo Vallecano two points in what could be a tight finish for a Europe spot next season with the late goal, though he did make three saves in the match. The goalkeeper should be able to have a strong outing to rebound from the late collapse when he plays Valencia, a team with just 38 goals scored in 35 La Liga games.
Saves penalty against Getafe
Batalla made three saves and secured a clean sheet in Sunday's 2-0 win over Getafe. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 61st minute.
Analysis: Batalla returned to the starting lineup after serving suspension in the previous league matchup, and he put in a remarkable effort, recording a penalty save along with his second straight clean sheet considering domestic and European play. It has been a solid campaign for him, with his 10 clean sheets ranking third in the competition so far. He's now expected to get the nod over Daniel Cardenas ahead of a crucial week in which the team will visit Strasbourg for the second leg of the Conference League semifinals before hosting a struggling Girona side in league action.
Eligible after suspension
Batalla has served his league ban and is available for selection in future fixtures.
Analysis: Batalla stayed on the bench over the last two matches before the suspension, but he's part of a rather close contention with Daniel Cardenas ahead of the final rounds of the competition. Batalla previously made 30 league appearances this season, making 82 saves and conceding 35 goals while keeping nine clean sheets over that span.
Given backup role
Batalla (thigh) is on the bench for Thursday's match against Espanyol.
Analysis: Batalla is no longer missing time despite the doubtful tag, as the goalie is listed on the bench. He is their starting keeper, so this likely signifies he is not fully fit, still needing some time to heal, but an option if they need to call on him. He has started in 30 games this season, recording nine clean sheets while allowing 35 goals.
Doubtful to face Espanyol
Batalla (thigh) is doubtful for Thursday's match against Espanyol, according to manager Inigo Perez. "We'll see Augusto today, but he probably won't be able to help us tomorrow."
Analysis: Batalla is still not fully fit from his thigh injury, and with the club taking the situation cautiously, he seems likely to miss out again. This would force backup goalie Daniel Cardenas into a starting role again, only starting once all season. It seems clear that the club is protecting Batalla as they enter a Conference League semifinal on April 30 against Strasbourg, although they will still need to be cautious as they find themselves only a few points clear of relegation. That said, once he is fully fit, the club should have him starting immediately.
Still managing issue
Batalla (thigh) did not train with the team Monday and is a slight doubt for Thursday's clash against Espanyol after continuing to manage the discomfort he picked up in the first leg against AEK Athens, according to La Grada.
Analysis: Batalla had gutted out the full 90 minutes in Thursday's Conference League return leg against AEK despite the issue, but his absence from Monday's team session suggests the problem has not fully cleared. The Argentine goalkeeper has started every league and Conference League fixture this season except the game against Mallorca between both UEFA Conference League legs and his potential absence would be a significant blow for Rayo, with Daniel Cardenas on standby to step between the posts if Batalla cannot be cleared in time. The club will monitor his condition closely over the coming days before making a final call ahead of what is already a difficult fixture with multiple injury and suspension concerns mounting for coach Inigo Perez's side.
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