Rayo Vallecano (home)
- Rayo Vallecano are 18th with 22 points from 22 matches.
- Rayo Vallecano have won just 2 of their 10 home games in LaLiga this season (D6, L2).
- Rayo’s style is built on a relentless pressing game combined with vertical passing and wide overloads in order to overwhelm opponents and create chaos.
- Rayo are without a win in five LaLiga games (D1, L4).
Atletico Madrid (away)
- Atletico Madrid are 3rd in LaLiga on 45 points from 23 games.
- Atleti have won 1 and drawn 1 of their last 2 away games.
- Atletico’s style is all about structure, shape and control, combining tight, compact defensive blocks with astute pressing to control the pace of the game and deny the opponents space.
- Atletico coach Oscar Fernandez has presided over a return to pragmatism that has been solid for the most part since he took charge in July 2021.
Head-to-Head
The visitors beat Rayo 3-2 at home four months ago in their most recent LaLiga meeting.
Key Players
- Jorge de Frutos is Rayo’s main outlet going forward with seven LaLiga goals from 20 appearances.
- Alexander Soerloth is the striker that leads Atletico’s line with seven goals from 22 LaLiga games this campaign.
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Recent stats:
- De Frutos: 7 goals, 20 appearances.
- Soerloth: 7 goals, 22 appearances.
Betting Insights
- Both teams to score priced at 1.91 ahead of this game.
- Visitors are 1.9 favourites and the hosts 4.1 outsiders.
- Rayo have bagged just 8 LaLiga goals at Vallecas this season.
- Atleti average 1.09 goals per game on their travels, hitting 12 goals in total.
Prediction
- Atleti can take the three points with another hard-fought effort at Vallecas on Sunday if they can impose their game.
- Expect a close battle - both teams to score is a strong play.
