Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 26/08/2023, 10:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 26/08/2023 at 10:32 in LaLiga Predictions

Matchday three of La Liga will see Rayo Vallecano play host to Atletico Madrid on Monday evening. The hosts come into the match in second place after the first two matches, while the visitors are in fifth place. Rayo Vallecano have begun the season very well, winning both their opening two fixtures 2-0 on the road. Those wins came over Almeria on opening day and Granda last weekend. Los Franjirrojos finished 11th last season with 49 points, four points behind Osasuna and the Conference League qualification spot. At home, the hosts took 32 points from a possible 57 last term, winning four of their final five matches at Estadio de Vallecas. However, they have failed to beat this opponent in their last 12 attempts and are the clear outsiders to win this one on the bookmaker odds. 

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid ended last season in third place for the second consecutive season. Colchoneros recorded 77 points, one point less than Los Blancos and 11 behind Barcelona. They began this season well, beating Granada 3-1 at home. However, they dropped points last week, playing out a stalemate against Real Betis. With those results, Atletico are unbeaten in their last six league matches on either side of the summer break. Notably, though, the visitors have not won any of their last four away league matches, drawing three and losing one. Still, they are the strong favourites for this match as they have an excellent record against this opponent. Atletico have won ten and drawn two of their last 12 matches against Rayo Vallecano. They won the last meeting 2-1 and have outscored them 23-5 in their unbeaten run.