Rayo Vallecano - Athletic Club Bilbao predictions and free betting tips [25/05/2024]

On Saturday, 25 May, as part of the 38th round of La Liga, Rayo Vallecano will host Athletic Bilbao. The Basques are guaranteed to finish the campaign in fifth place in the standings, while the hosts are settled in 16th place and could climb to 13th if successful.

Stadium

The match will take place in Madrid at the Campo de Vallecas stadium.

Rayo Vallecano

The season for Rayo Vallecano has been far tougher than initially expected, but the Madrid side has secured their place in the top division for next year, largely thanks to the failures of their rivals rather than their own successes. Francisco was relieved of his duties as coach in February, and Iñigo Pérez took the reins, gaining his first independent experience in a coaching role. In their last five league matches, the red-and-whites have won only once—securing a 2-1 victory over the sinking Granada, while suffering three defeats and drawing once.

The losses came against Villarreal (3-0), Almeria (0-1) and Barcelona (3-0) last weekend—decided by goals from Lewandowski and a Pedri double. It is important to note that the hosts have the second-worst goal-scoring record in La Liga (just 29), while they rank third from the bottom in home points (only 20 points in 18 games). 

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao will surely be pleased with their final fifth-place finish and a Copa del Rey victory after three years of disappointment: two lost finals and a semi-final last year. Having earned a spot in the Europa League, the Basques only regretfully missed out on a Champions League ticket following their 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid on 27 April.

After their Copa del Rey triumph over Mallorca, Ernesto Valverde's men have slowed down, winning only two of their last seven league matches, losing twice and drawing three times. Following a 2-1 loss to Celta at Balaidos, the Rojiblancos gave their captain Iker Muniain a farewell tour, defeating Sevilla 2-0 at home last round, with the experienced player scoring the decisive goal. Athletic ranks seventh overall in away points (23 in 18 away games, 18 goals scored, 19 conceded). 

Head-to-Head

In the first round at San Mamés, Athletic thrashed Rayo Vallecano 4-0. Moreover, Madrid have only picked up points in one of their last four meetings.

Match Prediction: Rayo Vallecano vs. Athletic Bilbao

Without their two main attacking players—Guruzeta and Inaki Williams—Athletic may face problems in the final third. Unlike their opponent, Rayo still has a chance to climb the standings and will do their best to bid farewell to their fans on Saturday. Considering the Basques' recent form, I’ll risk backing a home win with a 0 handicap.

Total Goals Prediction

Athletic’s squad is weakened by player absences and they no longer have any tournament motivation in the final round. I’ll bet on Athletic’s individual total under 1.5 goals.

Corners Prediction

Rayo will strive to play their own game in the final home match, so it's worth betting on Rayo’s individual total corners over 3.5.

Yellow Cards Prediction

In none of the last three head-to-head matches have these teams accrued more than three yellow cards combined. I’ll bet on the overall total warnings under 3.5.

Score Prediction

I’ll bet on a 1-0 win for Rayo Vallecano.