Match Preview and Odds Analysis: Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao, 20:00 on 28/02/2026, La Liga

Preview of Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao, 20:00 on 28/02/2026. Covers the predicted outcome, probable lineups, and expert insights for the La Liga Round 26 clash between Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao in the 2025/26 campaign.

Match Preview: Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao

90-Minute Handicap: 0 : 1/4

Total Goals: 2 1/4

Athletic Bilbao is riding a wave of momentum in the race for European qualification next season. "The Lions of the Basque Country" are on a three-match winning streak in La Liga, lifting them to 8th place with 34 points, just one win away from the top six. The consistent form of Gorka Guruzeta, combined with manager Ernesto Valverde's high-intensity pressing style, makes Bilbao a formidable opponent. Notably, Bilbao boasts a dominant head-to-head record against Rayo, having won the last five consecutive meetings and remaining undefeated at Vallecas since 2014.

On the other side, Rayo Vallecano is experiencing a turbulent season. Despite a spirited 1-1 draw against Real Betis and a resounding 3-0 home victory over Atletico Madrid, manager Inigo Perez's squad is not yet safe. Sitting 15th with 26 points, they are only two points clear of the relegation zone. Rayo's biggest issue is their lack of firepower, having scored only 22 goals in 24 matches. However, their home ground, Vallecas, is where Rayo plays with a "nothing to lose" spirit, which has already helped them defeat giants this season.

Although Bilbao is favored due to their head-to-head record and current form, Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas presents a significant challenge. The match is expected to be closely contested, and a draw for the home side, fueled by their passionate supporters, remains a distinct possibility.

Team News: Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao

Rayo Vallecano: Diego Mendez and goalkeeper Dani Cardenas are sidelined due to injury. The good news is that winger Alvaro Garcia has regained fitness and is ready to return to the starting lineup, promising to add pace to counter-attacks.

Athletic Bilbao: Significant absences include star player Nico Williams, along with Maroan Sannadi, Benat Prados, and Unai Egiluz. Alex Berenguer's availability is also in doubt. Gorka Guruzeta — who recently scored a brace against Elche — remains the primary attacking threat.

Predicted Lineups: Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao

Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mendy, Espino; Valentin, Gumbau; Akhomach, Palazon, A. Garcia; De Frutos.

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simon; Areso, Vivian, Laporte, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Sancet, Gomez; Guruzeta.

Head-to-Head History and Recent Form: Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao

Rayo Vallecano's Recent Form:

21/02/26: Real Betis 1-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

15/02/26: Rayo Vallecano 3-0 Atl. Madrid (La Liga)

01/02/26: Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

24/01/26: Rayo Vallecano 1-3 Osasuna (La Liga)

19/01/26: Celta Vigo 3-0 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

Athletic Bilbao's Recent Form:

21/02/26: Ath Bilbao 2-1 Elche (La Liga)

15/02/26: Real Oviedo 1-2 Ath Bilbao (La Liga)

12/02/26: Ath Bilbao 0-1 Real Sociedad (Copa del Rey)

08/02/26: Ath Bilbao 4-2 Levante (La Liga)

05/02/26: Valencia 1-2 Ath Bilbao (Copa del Rey)

Head-to-Head History: Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao

26/08/25: Ath Bilbao 1-0 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

14/04/25: Ath Bilbao 3-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

02/12/24: Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Ath Bilbao (La Liga)

25/05/24: Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Ath Bilbao (La Liga)

02/12/23: Ath Bilbao 4-0 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

Predicted Final Score: Rayo Vallecano 1 - 1 Athletic Bilbao