Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano
La Liga
Saturday
2nd December 2023
San Mames
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the La Liga fixture between Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano.
Athletic Bilbao vs Rayo Vallecano: Preview
Athletic Bilbao form analysis
Bilbao have had mixed form recently, with two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five matches. On October 23rd they suffered late heartbreak at Barcelona, losing 1-0 after conceding late on. A seven-goal thriller then followed against Valencia on October 29th, twice coming from behind to secure a 2-2 draw thanks to Álex Berenguer’s stoppage time equaliser.
Momentum followed as Bilbao won an eight-goal thriller away at Villarreal on November 5th, Inaki Williams amongst the goals in the 3-2 victory. Another high scoring win came a week later, beating Celta Vigo 4-3 in a end-to-end contest with four different scorers finding the net for Bilbao. However, their run came to an end on November 28th as they were held to a 1-1 draw away at Girona – Illiax Moriba again on target. Overall Bilbao have lacked defensive stability recently but shown plenty of attacking threat. With the likes of Inaki Williams and Nico Williams impressing along with Oihan Sancet.
Rayo Vallecano form analysis
Rayo Vallecano’s recent form has been inconsistent. On October 22nd, they left it late but beat Las Palmas 1-0 away from home thanks to Bebé’s stoppage time penalty. However, Rayo then squandered an early lead at home to draw 2-2 with Real Sociedad on October 29th – two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal cancelling out Abdul Mumin’s opener and Bebé’s late equaliser. Back-to-back away trips followed as Rayo first held Champions Real Madrid to a credible goalless draw.
But defeat promptly followed on November 11th as they lost 2-1 at Girona, Álvaro García’s early strike cancelled out by Artem Dovbyk and Savio. Most recently on November 25th, Rayo produced an impressive defensive display to claim a 1-1 home draw with Barcelona. Unai López scored early on before Florian Lejeune’s late own goal secured Barcelona a point. Rayo have shown plenty of spirit but converting tight games into wins is crucial if they are to sustain a push for Europe this term.
