Luis Rioja
VAL
Won't play Saturday
Rioja (quadriceps) won't be an option for Saturday's game against Celta Vigo, according to manager Carlos Corberan. "Rioja and Foulquier are the only two absences who won't be able to help us in the upcoming game."
Analysis: Rioja has been recovering from a right quadriceps injury sustained in a preseason friendly against Stoke City in early August, but this game will come too soon for the versatile winger. His next chance to play will come against Real Betis on Tuesday.
Scores in finale
Rioja scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-1 win versus Barcelona.
Analysis: Rioja found the back of the net in Saturday's season finale, an unassisted strike in the 71st minute which gave his side a 2-1 lead. It was one of three shots he took in the match and he also created two chances for the third time in his last four appearances. It was a decent campaign for Rioja as he scored three goals and provided six assists across 37 appearances (31 starts).
Can't score but looks active
Rioja generated two shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Rioja was one of several Valencia players who looked quite active going forward despite being unable to find the back of the net. The winger has been a regular starter pretty much all season long for Valencia, and that shouldn't change ahead of the final two games of the 2025/26 league campaign.
Tallies assist
Rioja assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Athletic.
Analysis: Rioja did his part in the offense, even if only one of his crosses was deemed to be accurate. He got an assist on the winning goal to help Valencia take a step towards staying in La Liga for next season. The midfielder will likely need to be better to have an assist against a Rayo Vallecano team which has allowed 41 goals through 34 La Liga matches.
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