Rayo Vallecano will welcome Athletic Bilbao to Estadio de Vallecas for their La Liga encounter on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
View our free Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao predictions below.
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Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao predictions: Visitors to claim all the spoils
Key stats
- Athletic Bilbao have won five consecutive encounters between these sides.
- Rayo Vallecano suffered four defeats in their last six games.
- Six of Rayo Vallecano's last eight matches produced at least 11 corners.
Correct score prediction: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
These teams are on opposite sides in terms of recent form. While Rayo Vallecano have a 1-1-4 win-draw-loss record in their last six matches, Athletic Bilbao have four wins in their last five games across all competitions, three of which ended 2-1.
Moreover, Athletic Bilbao have an excellent track record against Rayo Vallecano, having won seven of the last eight clashes between these sides.
Taking everything into account, we are confident that the visitors will emerge victorious after 90 minutes.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Athletic Bilbao up against it
- HOME: 29/20 (2.45) – 40.8%
- DRAW: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- AWAY: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Rayo Vallecano's fortunes have improved a bit, as they are now unbeaten in two games after losing four in a row. Inigo Perez's men played out a 1-1 draw at Real Betis in their last La Liga outing.
On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao's 2-1 victory over Elche last weekend was their third consecutive win in La Liga. The Basque side are eighth in the Spanish top flight ahead of their clash with 15th-placed Rayo Vallecano.
Despite their recent struggles, Rayo Vallecano are the expected winners at 29/20 (2.45). Teams with these odds generally have a 40.8% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao predictions.
It is also worth mentioning that four of Rayo Vallecano's last five games and 10 of Athletic Bilbao's last 12 matches went above the 2.5-goal threshold. On that note, over 2.5 total goals has an appealing look at 13/10 (2.30). That one has a 43.5% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Business as usual for Athletic Club?
Athletic Bilbao came out on top the last five times these teams clashed and are unbeaten in their last eight skirmishes (W7, D1).
Interestingly, Rayo Vallecano have not beaten their Basque opponents at this stadium since September 2014.
Spain La Liga 25/08/25
Athletic Bilbao
Rayo Vallecano
Spain La Liga 13/04/25
Athletic Bilbao
Rayo Vallecano
Spain La Liga 01/12/24
Rayo Vallecano
Athletic Bilbao
Spain La Liga 25/05/24
Rayo Vallecano
Athletic Bilbao
Spain La Liga 02/12/23
Athletic Bilbao
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano preview: No new absences
Rayo Vallecano will enter this clash with Diego Mendez and Dani Cardenas unavailable due to knee and groin injuries, respectively.
After going unbeaten in back-to-back games, coach Inigo Perez will keep faith in his attacking trio of Ilias Akhomach, Jorge de Frutos, and Fran Perez, with veteran playmaker Isi Palazon providing creativity from the middle.
Predicted lineup: Batalla (GK), Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Espino, Martin, Gumbau, Akhomach, Palazon, Perez & De Frutos
Last five matches
- 21/02/26: Real Betis 1-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)
- 15/02/26: Rayo Vallecano 3-0 Atletico Madrid (La Liga)
- 01/02/26: Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)
- 24/01/26: Rayo Vallecano 1-3 Osasuna (La Liga)
- 18/01/26: Celta Vigo 3-0 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)
Athletic Bilbao preview: Eyeing their third consecutive win
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, remain without long-term absentees Unai Eguiluz and Benat Prados, with both players sidelined due to tendon ruptures.
Nico Williams has not featured for the Basque giants since the defeat to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey due to a groin issue, and the youngster remains unavailable for selection until March alongside Maroan Sannadi, who is nursing a knee injury.
The availability of Mikel Jauregizar and Alex Berenguer is uncertain for this weekend as both players have fitness issues, while Yeray Alvarez remains suspended until April for a doping violation.
Predicted lineup: Simon (GK), Gorosabel, Paredes, Laporte, Berchiche, De Galarreta, Jauregizar, Serrano, Sancet, Guruzeta & I. Williams
Last five matches
- 20/02/26: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Elche (La Liga)
- 15/02/26: Real Oviedo 1-2 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)
- 11/02/26: Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Real Sociedad (Copa del Rey)
- 08/02/26: Athletic Bilbao 4-2 Levante (La Liga)
- 04/02/26: Valencia 1-2 Athletic Bilbao (Copa del Rey)
Player to watch: Gorka Guruzeta
Gorka Guruzeta put in an impressive performance last weekend, scoring a brace in Athletic Bilbao's 2-1 victory over Elche. The 29-year-old has four goals in his last three La Liga assignments and will fancy his chances against Rayo Vallecano.