Atlético Madrid’s 4:0 Copa del Rey win over Barcelona was their second emphatic victory of the season against Spain’s leading clubs. Against relegation‑zone Rayo Vallecano, the visitors should be no less dangerous in attack.
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano’s situation is becoming increasingly vulnerable, as the team now have to take risks and pick up points. Before the cancelled match against Real Oviedo, which exposed systemic problems in the club’s management, the hosts had lost four matches in a row, scoring only two goals. At Santiago Bernabéu Stadium against Real Madrid (1:2), the underdogs looked decent but allowed 2.21 xGA and 16 shots; the favourites simply did not take all their attacking opportunities.
Atlético Madrid
Before the matches against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, Atlético Madrid need to extend their winning run in domestic competitions. Their last two appearances in the Copa del Rey brought Diego Simeone’s side wins by a combined score of 9:0. Against Barcelona, the squad accumulated 2.34 xG, and away from home they have not lost a single match since 9 December (five wins and three draws).
Rayo Vallecano vs Atlético Madrid Prediction
Rayo Vallecano’s defence have conceded five goals in their last three home matches in LaLiga. In 2025 Atlético Madrid have already beaten the underdogs twice in high‑scoring fashion (3:0 and 3:2), and their current form is not in doubt.
