Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the La Liga match.
Both sides started the new season with wins: Athletic Bilbao edged Sevilla (3:2), while Rayo Vallecano comfortably dispatched Girona (3:1) and also kicked off their Conference League campaign. The hosts are aiming for another top-four finish, while the visitors look ready to challenge for Europe again.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao finished fourth last season, returning to the Champions League. They began the new La Liga campaign with a lively victory over Sevilla, racing into a 2:0 lead, letting it slip, but ultimately securing the points thanks to Roberto Navarro’s 81st-minute strike. At San Mamés they are traditionally formidable: last season the team won 12 of 19 home matches, though they conceded on average just over a goal per game. Historically, Athletic Bilbao hold the upper hand against Rayo Vallecano — 25 wins in 48 meetings, including a 3:1 victory last spring. Their current winning streak against the Madrid side stands at four games.
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano opened the season confidently with a 3:1 win over Girona, then beat Neman (1:0) in the Conference League play-off to move within reach of the group stage. Last season they finished eighth and now aim to at least match that achievement. The squad has been bolstered with Luiz Felipe, Fran Pérez and goalkeeper Augusto Batalla from River Plate. However, the congested schedule could affect consistency. Away from home, Rayo tend to play bravely — scoring in 8 of their last 10 La Liga road games.
Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction
This fixture promises goals. Athletic’s attacking style at San Mamés usually brings chances both ways, while Rayo’s pace on the wings often creates openings even against stronger opponents. Head-to-head matches between these two often feature goals at both ends, and current form points to the same outcome.
