Match Overview

The second-round La Liga encounter between Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano is set to take place on August 25 at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. This preview provides an in-depth prediction, offering insights into team form, key statistics, and potential betting opportunities for the Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano fixture.

Athletic Club’s Form Analysis

The Basque side commenced their campaign at home, hosting Sevilla in the opening match. They secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory, with the decisive goal coming in the 81st minute. This triumph extends Athletic’s strong run, having won four of their last five league fixtures, with their only defeat in this sequence coming against Barcelona.

Key Athletic Club Statistics

• In 7 out of Athletic Club’s last 8 La Liga matches, at least one team failed to score.
• Fewer than three goals were scored in 6 of their last 8 league outings.
• The Bilbao club has remained unbeaten in 16 of their last 17 home matches in La Liga, registering 11 wins and 5 draws.

Athletic Club’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3)*

Unai Simón – Yuri Berchiche, Daniel Vivian, Jesús Areso, Aitor Paredes – Maroan Sannadi, Mikel Jauregizar, Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Nico Williams, Álex Berenguer, Iñaki Williams.

Team News: Athletic Club Injuries

Defensive player Unai Egiluz and midfielders Unai Gómez, Beñat Prados, and Oihan Sancet are sidelined due to injuries and will miss the upcoming match.

Rayo Vallecano’s Current Performance

Iñigo Pérez’s squad is facing its second consecutive away game. In their opening match, Rayo Vallecano comfortably defeated a struggling Girona with a 3-1 scoreline. This impressive win extended their unbeaten streak in the league to six matches, comprising four victories and two draws. Notably, three of these wins were secured in away fixtures. Interestingly, for three seasons running, Rayo has started their campaign on the road, emerging victorious on each occasion.

Key Rayo Vallecano Statistics

• At least two goals were scored in 11 of Rayo Vallecano’s last 14 La Liga matches.
• Their away fixtures in La Liga have been decisive for 9 consecutive games, resulting in 5 wins and 4 losses.
• Rayo Vallecano has found the net in 6 of their previous 7 away league matches.

Rayo Vallecano’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-5-1)*

Augusto Batalla – Florian Lejeune, Andrei Rațiu, Luis Felipe, Pep Chavarría – Pathé Ciss, Isi Palazón, Pedro Díaz, Unai López, Álvaro García – Jorge de Frutos.

Team News: Rayo Vallecano Injuries

Defender Abdul Mumin is unavailable for selection due to injury.

Match Prediction: Athletic Club vs Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano is currently in excellent form, maintaining an extended unbeaten run in the league, which is quite remarkable for them. However, in this six-match streak, they have only faced one opponent from a European competition qualification zone. Against teams of Athletic Club’s caliber, Iñigo Pérez’s men are likely to struggle to gain points, especially considering Athletic’s formidable strength on their home turf.

Athletic Club’s Home Advantage

The Basque giants have suffered only one defeat in their last 17 home matches in La Liga, which was against Barcelona, recording 12 victories and 6 draws in that period. Furthermore, Athletic Club boasts an impressive head-to-head record in league clashes, with 6 wins and only 1 draw in their last 7 encounters. At San Mamés, the Bilbao club has emerged victorious in 7 of their previous 8 home league meetings against Rayo Vallecano.

Final Betting Tip

My prediction for this match is a **”Victory for Athletic Club”** at odds of 1.73

Author Information

Author: Олександр Олексенко

Disclaimer

*The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match in this tournament.