The 2024-25 edition of La Liga is back in action with another round of matches this weekend as Rayo Vallecano take on Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Bilbao side in an important clash at the Estadio de Vallecas on Sunday. Both teams can pack a punch on their day and will be determined to win this game.
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao Preview
Athletic Bilbao are in sixth place in the La Liga standings and have been fairly impressive this season. The Basque giants eased past IF Elfsborg by a 3-0 scoreline in the UEFA Europa League in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this weekend.
Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, are in 13th place in the league table and have been inconsistent this season. The Madrid-based outfit slumped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sevilla last week and will need to bounce back in this fixture.
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Athletic Bilbao have a good recent record against Rayo Vallecano and have won 15 out of the last 28 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Rayo Vallecano's six victories.
- Rayo Vallecano are unbeaten in their last five matches at home against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga and have failed to find the back of the net in their last three such games.
- Athletic Bilbao have won 10 of their last 14 matches against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga and have managed to keep clean sheets in each of their last three such games.
- Athletic Bilbao have kept clean sheets in their last three matches away from home against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga and could equal their longest such streak against a single opponent in the top flight.
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Athletic Bilbao have been a formidable unit under Ernesto Valverde and will need to work hard to move into the top four of the league table. The likes of Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams can be lethal on their day and will need to make their mark this weekend.
Rayo Vallecano have been inconsistent over the past year and will be up against a difficult test on Sunday. Athletic Bilbao are the better team and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Athletic Bilbao to win
Tip 2 - Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3 - Athletic Bilbao to score first - Yes