Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao – News and Probable Lineups

Athletic Bilbao is set to pursue their fourth consecutive victory in Spain’s premier division as they take on Rayo Vallecano away on Saturday.

The Lions currently sit in eighth place in the La Liga standings, trailing sixth-placed Celta Vigo by three points, while Rayo occupies the 15th position, sitting two points above the relegation zone.

Match overview

Rayo’s season has recorded six wins, eight draws, and 10 defeats across their 24 league fixtures, amassing 26 points and securing 15th place in the table.

The team from the capital has had a disappointing La Liga season so far, with only two points separating them from the relegation zone, and they have struggled to score, finding the back of the net just 22 times in their 24 matches.

Los Franjirrojos will head into this match following a 1-1 draw against Real Betis, having previously claimed a 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in their last home outing.

Rayo has obtained only 15 points from their 11 home league games this season, with three victories, though Athletic has also only managed three away wins thus far in the 2025-26 season.

Inigo Perez’s squad will soon refocus on the Conference League, having finished fifth in the overall league standings to qualify for the tournament’s next round.

Athletic, on the other hand, will come into this match after a 2-1 win over Elche, marking their third consecutive victory in league play that has seen them move up the standings.

Ernesto Valverde’s side has records of 10 wins, four draws, and 11 defeats from their 25 league games this season, leaving them with 34 points and in eighth place, three points behind Celta.

Athletic boasts a strong historical record against Rayo, having won 26 of their previous 49 encounters across all competitions while losing just 11 times. They are currently on a five-match winning streak against their opponents for Saturday.

The earlier meeting this season ended in a 1-0 victory for the Basque side, while they also triumphed 2-1 in the Spanish capital during the 2024-25 season.

Athletic has not suffered defeat against Rayo away from home since September 2014, highlighting the challenge facing the home team in this weekend’s match at Vallecas Stadium.

Rayo Vallecano La Liga form:

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Rayo Vallecano form (all competitions):

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Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:

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Athletic Bilbao form (all competitions):

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Team News

Rayo will be without Diego Mendez and Dani Cardenas due to injuries for the match against Athletic, but the remainder of the squad is in solid condition.

Given the impressive showing against Real Betis in their last outing, it’s anticipated that most of the starting lineup will remain unchanged for this fixture.

However, a change on the flanks is expected, with Alvaro Garcia, who has netted three goals and provided four assists in the league this season, likely returning to the left side.

For Athletic, Maroan Sannadi, Benat Prados, Unai Egiluz, and Nico Williams are sidelined due to injuries, while Alex Berenguer is a significant doubt.

Gorka Guruzeta, who scored twice in the victory over Elche last time, will continue to play in the attacking third this weekend.

Inaki Williams and Unai Gomez are expected to occupy the wide positions, while Oihan Sancet will likely operate behind Guruzeta against Rayo in the Spanish capital.

Rayo Vallecano probable starting XI:

Battle; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Espino; Valentin, Gumbau; Akhomach, Palazon, A Garcia; De Frutos

Athletic Bilbao probable starting XI:

Simon; Areso, Vivian, Laporte, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Palace; I Williams, Sancet, Gomez; the cross

Rayo delivered an impressive performance in their last home match, defeating Atletico 3-0, and despite Athletic’s strong form, we anticipate that the hosts will manage to secure at least a point on Saturday.