Athletic Club vs Rayo Vallecano Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | LaLiga 2025-26

Both teams secured victories on the opening matchday.

Matchday two of LaLiga will take us to the San Mamés, where Athletic Club will lock horns with Rayo Vallecano in an intense clash. The home side are coming into this game after securing a 3-2 win over Sevilla and will look to build on this impressive victory against a difficult opponent. The hosts are currently placed 6th in the points table based on goal difference.

Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, find themselves in the 3rd spot. They started their league campaign against Girona and secured a convincing 3-1 win against their opponents. After concluding the 2024/25 campaign in eighth place, Rayo will look to take the next step and qualify for any of the UEFA competitions.

Kickoff:

Location: Bilbao, Spain

Stadium: Estadio de San Mamés

Date and Kickoff time: Aug 25 – 11:00 pm  IST/09:30 pm GMT/ 10:30 pm PT/ 01:30 pm ET

Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera

VAR: In Use

Form:

Athletic Club: W-L-L-L-L

Rayo Vallecano: W-W-W-L-W

Players to watch out for:

Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

The Spanish international was strongly linked with FC Barcelona during the transfer window but decided to stay at his boyhood club. He is one of the most exciting wingers in world football at the moment. With elite technical skill, change of pace, and decision-making, Nico Williams can run circles around any defender in the world.

Jorge de Frutos (Rayo Vallecano)

Jorge de Frutos is one of the first names on Rayo Vallecano’s team sheet for a reason. He possesses all the qualities that a modern winger needs. Moreover, he’s very versatile as well, as he can drop deep and operate as a right-wing-back with ease.

Jorge scored on the opening matchday, and fans will be expecting another great performance from him.

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 3-1 win for Athletic Club.
• Athletic Club won 3-2 against Sevilla in their last game.
• Rayo Vallecano won 3-1 against Girona in their previous match.

Athletic Club vs Rayo Vallecano: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Athletic Club to win – 1.57 by 1XBET
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 2.13 by Pinnacle
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.95 by Stake

Injury and Team news:

Unai Egiluz, Oihan Sancet, and Beñat Prados will be unavailable for the home side.

Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, will be without Abdul Mumin for their clash against Athletic Bilbao.

Head to Head:

Total Matches: 48

Athletic Club: 25

Rayo Vallecano won: 11

Draws: 12

Predicted Lineups:

Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)

Simon(GK); Berchiche, Paredes, Vivian,  Areso; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; N.Williams, Berenguer, I.Williams; Sannadi

Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1)

Batalla(GK); Ratiu, Lejeune, Felipe, Chavarría; Ciss, Lopez; Palazón, Diaz, García; De Frutos

Match Prediction:

Athletic Club are expected to register a win over Rayo Vallecano in their upcoming match.

Prediction: Athletic Club 2-1 Rayo Vallecano

Telecast details:

India: FanCode

UK: Premier Sports

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: SuperSport

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