The Matchday 26 La Liga clash between Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Club Bilbao will take place on 28 February at the Campo de Vallecas in Madrid. Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Club Bilbao: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Rayo Vallecano
A week ago, the club earned a draw away to the solid Real Betis (1:1). Rayo Vallecano have taken at least one point for a second straight La Liga match, although prior to that they had gone through an unpleasant run of three defeats in this competition. That has at least slightly improved their position in the standings: they are currently 15th, with a two-point gap to the relegation zone. The team also have a game in hand. It is worth noting that over the course of this La Liga season, Rayo Vallecano have scored 22 goals in total — only Getafe (20) and Oviedo (16) have a worse record by this metric.
- Both teams scored in five of the last seven league matches involving the Madrid side.
- Five of the club’s last six matches in this competition have gone over.
- Rayo Vallecano have not scored more than one goal in 13 of their last 15 La Liga games.
Potential Rayo Vallecano Lineup (4-5-1)*
Augusto Batalla – Andrei Ratiu, Florian Lejeune, Nobel Mendy, Alfonso Espino – Oscar Valentin, Gerard Gumbau, Isi Palazon, Ilyas Akhomach, Fran Perez – Jorge De Frutos.
Athletic Club Bilbao
The Basque club continue their push towards the European places. Last Friday, the club snatched a late win at home against Elche (2:1), meaning Athletic Club Bilbao have now won three straight La Liga matches — matching their best streak of the current season. They have gone four league games without defeat. Having collected 10 points since the start of February, the team have overtaken several rivals and climbed from 13th to eighth in the standings. The club’s gap to sixth place has been cut to three points.
- Both teams have scored in eight straight Athletic Club Bilbao matches in La Liga.
- The Basque side have scored in five of their last six away matches in this competition.
- Five of the club’s last six La Liga games have gone over.
Potential Athletic Club Bilbao Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Unai Simon – Inigo Lekue, Dani Vivian, Emerick Laporte, Yuri Berchiche – Alejandro Rego Mora, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Inaki Williams, Unai Gomez, Oihan Sancet – Gorka Guruzeta.
Due to injuries, defender Unai Egiluz, midfielder Benat Prados, and forwards Nico Williams and Maroan Sannadi will not be available to the team.
Referee
Victor Garcia (Spain)
Matches – 12 (La Liga, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 35;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.9;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 8%.
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Club Bilbao: Match Prediction
Rayo Vallecano are gradually improving and strengthening their league position. After a run of three defeats in La Liga, the club took four points from a possible six in matches against Atletico Madrid and Real Betis. However, to build a comfortable gap from the relegation zone, the team need noticeably more wins. Since the start of November, the club have won only two of their last 14 league games in Spain. And now Rayo Vallecano face another tough test.
Athletic Club Bilbao have come through a lengthy dip in form, and since the beginning of February the club have collected 10 points from a possible 12 in La Liga. After a draw in the derby against Real Sociedad in this competition, the team have put together three consecutive wins. There is now an excellent chance to extend that run, as Rayo Vallecano can be considered one of their more convenient opponents. Athletic Club Bilbao are unbeaten in eight head-to-head La Liga meetings, and in seven of those eight games the Basque side took all three points.
Prediction: Athletic Club Bilbao, double chance
* For each team, the starting XI from their most recent match in this competition is listed.
