Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 23/05/2024, 12:30  by Sridhar | Modified on 25/05/2024 at 04:30 in LaLiga Predictions

Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao end their La Liga campaign with a match on Saturday at the Estadio de Vallecas in Madrid. The hosts go into the final matchday in 16th place with 38 points, while the visitors are fifth with 65 points. Vallecano is confirmed for their seasonal safety, and they can play with some freedom to finish better than their current place. They can go as high as 13th if results go their way, but a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona last time out extended their recent poor run. The hosts have lost three of their last five league matches, with only one win in the sequence coming against Granada. Regardless of their overall form, Vallecano have shown that they are a hard team to play against at this venue. They have avoided defeat in six of their last seven home league games, winning and drawing three each.

Athletic have already confirmed their fifth-place finish, regardless of this result, and have qualified for the Europa League phase next season. A 2-0 win over Sevilla last time out continued their up-and-down form in recent times. The visitors haven’t won consecutive league games across their last eight matches, drawing three and winning two while losing three. They still remain one of the toughest sides to face from the back, as they have conceded only 37 goals. This is the second-best defensive record of the season, only behind Real Madrid. While that makes for good reading, Athletic has struggled on the road in recent times. They have lost three of their last four away league games, winning only once at Getafe in the process.