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Rayo Vallecano will be making only their second appearance in the last eight of a UEFA competition, when they host AEK Athens in their quarter-final first leg clash in the Conference League on Thursday, April 9.
The Greek club are also not too familiar with being in this position, as the last time they featured in a UEFA quarter-final was back in 1998, while their previous semi-final appearance was in the 1976-77 UEFA Cup.
The hosts and visitors have quite contrasting pictures domestically, as Rayo are trying to get as far away from the La Liga relegation zone as possible, while AEK Athens recently cemented top spot in the Greek Super League championship group playoffs.
However, in knockout football, anything can happen, despite their respective fortunes domestically.
Read our Rayo Vallecano vs AEK Athens preview, prediction and betting tips with the latest odds below, and don’t forget to check out more expert predictions on our football betting tips page.
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Rayo Vallecano vs AEK Athens key stats
- Rayo's last three games have all ended in a 1-0 scoreline.
- Only two of AEK Athens' last seven matches produced goals at both ends.
- The home side won nine of their last 11 UEFA two-legged home matches.
- The Double-Headed Eagle lost just two of their previous 15 European games.
| Rayo Vallecano | vs | AEK Athens |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | Position | 3rd |
| 13 | Points | 13 |
| 13 | Goals For | 14 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 7 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 3 |
| 1st | Home Rank | 4th |
| 9th | Away Rank | 5th |
After winning over the weekend, confidence should be in the Rayo Vallecano camp, but we know enough about football to understand that anything can happen once the first whistle goes.
The hosts can boast the fact that they have never tasted defeat at Vallecas in the Conference League league phase this season, and they will want to keep things that way by avoiding defeat in this quarter-final first leg.
Five of the last six goals in the Rayo's Conference League home matches arrived after the hour mark.
However, the reality is that Samsunspor managed to turn them over in the last 16 playoffs, but it was simply not enough in the end as the Turkish side lost 3-2 on aggregate.
Inigo Perez's men have never faced a Greek club before, which means there is not much history to go on for this, but the fact that a place in the last four of this competition is up for grabs should motivate his troops to take something into the second leg.
Athens typically struggle against Spanish opposition, as they have yet to win a game in 15 such attempts, losing 10 and drawing five, while all nine of their most recent visits to Spain ended with seven defeats and two draws.
Marko Nikolic has done a splendid job since taking the head coaching role at the start of the season, but he can do something truly special if his team leaves with something in hand for Greece next week.
The opening goal in seven of AEK Athens' last eight games in this competition came inside the first half hour.
Back-to-back wins heading into this fixture will hold the travelling party in good stead, as they aim to avoid losing to the Spanish club on Thursday night, and Nikolic has no fresh injury concerns to worry about.
The Double-Headed Eagle have made their road trips worthwhile in this competition this term, as they bagged three away victories, losing just once away from their home base.
Rayo Vallecano vs AEK Athens form guide & betting tips
| Rayo Vallecano | vs | AEK Athens |
|---|---|---|
| W-D-L-L-W | Form | W-D-L-W-W |
| 5 | Goals For | 10 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 4 |
| W-W-L | Conference League form | W-W-L |
Whispers predicts: Rayo Vallecano vs AEK Athens
With both teams enjoying similar records, especially in this season's Conference League, a draw is a likely result, and at 3.40, the value in undeniable.
Rayo and Athens have been involved in low-scoring affairs, more so the hosts, which is why backing under 2.5 goals at 1.70 is a realistic option.
Opting for the visitors to strike first is not a bad option at 2.40.
> 1x2 - Draw at 3.40 | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 1.70 | Likelihood: Probable
> First to score - AEK Athens at 2.40 | Likelihood: Long shot