Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao – News and Probable Lineups

Athletic Bilbao will look to get back to winning form in La Liga when they visit Vallecas Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face Rayo Vallecano.

The Basque club currently sits in 10th place in the La Liga standings, having gathered eight points from six fixtures, while Rayo sits in 12th place, also with eight points but having played one match more.

Match overview

Rayo’s record shows two victories, two draws, and three losses from their first seven matches of the season, placing them at 12th in the league with eight points.

Benat San Jose’s team has been enjoyable to watch this season, scoring 11 goals across their seven matches but conceding 16. However, they have seen a positive run, earning seven points in their last four matches, the only defeat in that stretch coming against Real Madrid.

Los Franjirrojos entered the international break in September/October after a 1-1 draw with Osasuna, and they secured a 2-1 victory against Espanyol in their most recent home game.

Rayo has managed to win just 11 of their last 50 encounters with Athletic in all competitions, suffering losses in five of their last six clashes with the Basque team.

Interestingly, the previous match between these two during the 2026-27 season ended in a 1-1 draw.

Athletic has not been defeated by Rayo since September 2021 and come into this match with an unbeaten streak of four games.

The Lions started their 2026-27 La Liga season with consecutive losses to Sevilla and Barcelona, but managed to bounce back with wins against Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid.

Edin Terzic’s squad has drawn their last two league fixtures with Elche and Alaves, and have earned a total of eight points from six games, positioning them in 10th place in the table.

Athletic concluded last season in 12th place in La Liga, which leaves room for improvement as they progress through the 2026-27 campaign.

Oihan Sancet and Inaki Williams, both anticipated to feature for the Lions this weekend, have each scored six goals against Rayo historically.

Team News

Rayo will again have to cope without Luiz Felipe, Augusto Batalla, Randy Nteka, and Isi Palazon due to injuries, while Jozhua Vertrouwd’s involvement is uncertain because of an ankle problem.

Sergio Camello has been in excellent form this season, finding the net seven times in seven outings, and he will maintain his position in the attack.

Additionally, Oscar Valentin is set to take a position in central midfield.

For Athletic, Inaki Williams and Sancet, noted above, have notable goal records against Rayo, and the duo will be active in the attack.

Unai Eguiluz remains out with a long-term knee injury, while Dani Vivian and Gorka Guruzeta are in need of further assessment.

Nico Williams is dealing with a thigh problem incurred while on international duty, making his participation in this match very unlikely.

Rayo Vallecano probable starting XI:

Audero; Ratiu, Sadick, Lejeune, Pedrosa; Lopez, Ciss, Valentin; De Frutos, Camello, Garcia

Athletic Bilbao probable starting XI:

Simon; Areso, Paredes, Laporte, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Navarro, Sancet, Berenguer; The Williams

Last season’s corresponding fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, and there is potential for a similar outcome this weekend.