Rayo Vallecano’s dream of qualifying for the Champions League has taken a hit post-Christmas. The Red Sashes are seventh in La Liga’s standings heading into Sunday’s home game with Athletic Bilbao. Two points separate Rayo Vallecano from fourth-place.
A win over Athletic Bilbao could send Rayo Vallecano back into the top four. However, a win against the Lions won’t be easy. Athletic Bilbao go into the game on Sunday in 10th place in La Liga’s standings. The Lions are unbeaten in back-to-back La Liga games.
📝📷⚡️ El primer equipo prepara, en el Estadio de Vallecas, el partido del domingo ante el @AthleticClub.#RayoAthletic #VamosRayohttps://t.co/f3J5tbk4Er pic.twitter.com/5W8xxfiuJW— Rayo Vallecano (@RayoVallecano) January 20, 2022
📝📷⚡️ El primer equipo prepara, en el Estadio de Vallecas, el partido del domingo ante el @AthleticClub.#RayoAthletic #VamosRayohttps://t.co/f3J5tbk4Er pic.twitter.com/5W8xxfiuJW
Five points separate Athletic Bilbao from the La Liga top four. A win could see Marcelino’s side continue their good form and take a step closer to Champions League qualification.
It must be said that Champions League qualification for either side is highly unlikely. However, both Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao in the mix currently for the top four.
Rayo Vallecano went to San Mames earlier this season and claimed a 2-1 win. Alvaro Garcia opened the scoring in the fifth minute, but a Pathe Ciss own goal on 33 minutes levelled the score at halftime. Rayo Vallecano got a dramatic 90th-minute winner from Radamel Falcao.
The Red Sashes’ win at San Mames ended a five-match winless streak against Athletic Bilbao in the league. The Lions have dominated the teams’ last 10 league meetings with a record of 6W-2D-2L.
Seven of those games finished with over 2.5 goals scored. Meanwhile, six of those 10 matches finished with both teams scoring goals.
Rayo Vallecano picked up eight points from the last 18 points available in the league. They were outscored 6-5 in those six matches.
Athletic Bilbao also picked up eight points from the last 18 points possible. The Lions outscored those opponents 7-6.
Rayo Vallecano do have an advantage over Athletic Bilbao and several top-five rivals. The Red Sashes have a game in hand that they will cash-in later this season.
Marcelino could be without the duo of Unai Vencedor and Asier Villalibre. Both are battling injuries. The Athletic manager could play youngster Niko Williams, who has burst onto the scene recently for the team.
Williams has two Copa del Rey goals and the 19-year-old scored in the Supercopa de Espana semifinal. He is the younger brother of Inaki Williams.
Rayo Vallecano’s Oscar Valentin will miss out due to a red card. Unai Lopez Cabrera and Martin Merquelanz are both doubts due to injuries.
The reverse fixture between these clubs was close. This weekend’s game should be another close affair with Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Club drawing at full-time. Both teams will score with more than 2.5 goals tallied.