Ath Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction & Tips
Fifth to a single point from the Champions League zone, Athletic Club reaches the sixth day of LaLiga Santander (LL) undefeated, and having drawn with Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, current champions. Very solid defensively, the lions must improve their scoring production (average: 0.8 goals p. P.).
Marcelino’s team returns to San Mamés adding three consecutive matches with an unbeaten goal. In their last league match at home, Athletic beat Mallorca 2-0, but that was only the third Atletico victory in the 11 most recent LL games played in Bilbao, seven of them tied (G3, E7 , P1). Only Levante have drawn more LL matches at home in 2021. The last time Athletic did not suffer a defeat in their first six LL matches dates back to the 1994-95 season, something that is likely to be repeated against Rayo Vallecano: Athletic have won 13 of their 18 league matches at home against the Madrid club (G13, E3, P2).
After losing their first two games of the championship, Rayo have added seven points from the last nine possible (G2, E1), achieving two victories with a clean sheet (4-0, 3-0). The visit to San Mamés will have a special meaning for the Franco-red coach, Andoni Iraola, who faces his former club for the first time as a coach, with whom he played 406 LL games. With 510 total matches, Iraola is the fourth player who has worn the Athletic shirt the most times.
San Mamés is certainly not the most affordable place for Rayo to cut its streak of 12 unbeaten starts in the highest category (E2, P10), which began in February 2019. Improving the poor results at home will be key to the options of permanence of the Strip, which in each of its last two campaigns in First ended up losing the category.
Players to watch: Athletic captain Iker Muniain has assisted all three of the lions’ goals at home this season. Rayo’s new star, Radamel Falcao, has scored five goals in three LL games against Athletic.
Outstanding series: Athletic have seen the door in 24 consecutive LL matches against Rayo.
Ath Bilbao – Rayo Vallecano FREE TIPS
Rayo Vallecano – Win @ 4.25
Both teams to score / YES @ 1.80
Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.90
