Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid

Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas forms the backdrop for an exciting La Liga contest between Rayo Vallecano and Atletico Madrid.

Rayo Vallecano’s life without talismanic manager Andoni Iraola has been off to a flying start, with new head coach Francisco inspiring his side to back-to-back 2-0 away wins over Almeria and Granada. Interestingly, Vallecano scored the second goal within ten minutes after the opening strike, highlighting their ability to build momentum after breaking the deadlock. But scoring could prove an issue for ‘Los Franjirrojos,’ considering they had drawn a blank in four consecutive La Liga H2Hs on home turf (D1, L3) before suffering a 2-1 defeat in this corresponding fixture last term. As one of two sides yet to concede after the opening two rounds, Vallecano will hope to maintain their impressive home record, having only lost twice in their previous ten league outings at the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas (W5, D3).

On the other hand, Atletico Madrid’s bid to reclaim La Liga supremacy for the first time since 2020/21 was off to a promising start, as they thumped Granada 3-1 on the opening weekend. However, they could only manage a tepid 0-0 draw at Real Betis last time out, making it four consecutive league travels without winning (D3, L1). On a more positive note, that result marked Atletico’s first La Liga clean sheet away from home in seven matches. Diego Simeone’s men have been dominant in this match-up, going unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with Vallecano (W10, D2) since a 2-1 loss in 2013. Since Vallecano’s top-flight return in 2021/22, ‘Los Rojiblancos’ have emerged victorious in three of their four league H2Hs (D1), conceding an average of only 0.5 goals per game.