Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, October 10, 2026
On October 10, 2026, Rayo Vallecano and Athletic will face each other in the eighth round of Spain’s La Liga. Both clubs will be looking to show that they used the international break to address their shortcomings.
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic: team news and expert analysis
The Madrid club reached the Conference League final last season. At the same time, they held on to their position in La Liga, finishing eighth once again. However, the coach changed during the summer, and San Jose endured a difficult start, collecting just one point from the first three rounds. Only afterward did they at least begin winning at home, while their most recent match ended in a 1-1 draw away to Osasuna.
The Bilbao side failed to reach the Champions League playoffs and slipped to 12th place in the domestic league. It came as no surprise that Valverde announced his departure in advance. His replacement, Terzic, began with a pair of defeats, but his new charges then won twice, including a 3-0 victory over Atletico. They also shared the points with Elche and Alaves, finishing both matches in draws.
The capital side score 1.57 goals per match but concede 2.29. Athletic are currently scoring slightly more than they concede, with figures of 1.17 and 1.0 respectively.
Previous matches: Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic
In the last nine meetings, the Madrid side have managed just two draws, including one in February, and lost all the remaining encounters.
The visitors are still the higher-rated side, but their opponents will put up a fight. We are backing both teams to score here (odds – 1.70).
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic: key statistics and trends
- Rayo Vallecano have won two of their last four matches
- 100% of Rayo Vallecano matches have ended with both teams scoring, while the average total is 3.86 goals per match
- Athletic are unbeaten in four consecutive matches
- 33% of Athletic Bilbao matches have ended with both teams scoring, while the average total is 2.17 goals per match
Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic: possible starting lineups
Rayo Vallecano play in a 1-3-4-3 formation (possible lineup): Audero - Pedrosa, Lejeune, Sadiq - Ratiu, Valentin, Ciss, Lopez - Garcia, Camello, de Frutos
Athletic play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Unai Simon - Berchiche, Laporte, Paredes, Louis-Jean - Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta - Nico Williams, Sancet, Navarro - Inaki Williams
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team’s position in the La Liga standings
