Rayo Vallecano welcomes Athletic Bilbao this Sunday in La Liga action, with the visitors looking to extend their unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions. Athletic sits fifth, two points off the top four, while Rayo has slipped to 13th after losing three of their last four league games.
Rayo Vallecano: Fighting for Stability
Rayo has been experiencing a rollercoaster La Liga season, with four wins, four draws, and five losses in 13 matches, which sees them sit 13th with 16 points. Though six points adrift of the relegation zone, defeats in recent weeks to Las Palmas and Sevilla have shown their struggles.
Despite their inconsistent form in the league, Rayo progressed in the Copa del Rey with a victory against Villamuriel and will next meet Unionistas de Salamanca. Having managed only a single league win since 26 October, manager Iñigo Pérez is expected to mobilize his charges for a good end-of-the-year result.
Key Stats:
Rayo has managed eight points from six home matches this season in La Liga.
They have not beaten Athletic Bilbao in the league since September 2021.
Athletic Bilbao: Momentum on Their Side
Athletic Bilbao is on a streak of good results, which include a 3-0 Europa League win over Elfsborg and a 1-0 win in the Basque derby against Real Sociedad. Ernesto Valverde’s team is unbeaten since early October, making them a contender for a top-four finish in the league and glory in the Europa League.
With six wins, five draws, and three losses in La Liga, Athletic sits fifth with 23 points, only two shy of fourth-placed Villarreal. The Lions have a strong record against Rayo, winning both league fixtures last season, including a 1-0 victory in Madrid.
Key Stats:
Athletic has earned eight points from six away matches this season.
They are unbeaten in their last seven La Liga meetings with Rayo.
Team News
Rayo Vallecano
Midfielder Unai López serves a one-match suspension because of the accumulation of yellow cards, providing space for Pathé Ciss. Iñigo Pérez could name a similar match lineup, though Sergio Camello should start in Randy Nteka’s position in attack.
Predicted Starting XI:
Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarría; Gumbau, Valentín, Ciss; De Frutos, Camello, A. García.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic will also be missing a central midfielder, with Beñat Prados serving a suspension. Mikel Jauregizar is expected to slide into midfield, while Álvaro Djaló, Óscar de Marcos, and Yeray Álvarez are expected to return after Europa League rest. Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, and Iñaki Williams should lead the attacking line.
Predicted Starting XI:
Simón; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Djaló.
Match Prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
While Rayo will be fresher and eager to bounce back, Athletic Bilbao’s form and defensive stability should give them the edge. Expect the Lions to secure a narrow but significant victory to maintain their pursuit of a top-four finish.
