Betting Tips & Predictions for Atletico Madrid v Rayo Vallecano

Thursday | 19:30 UTC | Estadio Metropolitano | La Liga

Atletico Madrid look to bounce back from a brutal April collapse when they host Rayo Vallecano in Thursday’s Madrid derby. For Diego Simeone’s side, it’s a shot at regaining pride after crashing out on all competitive fronts.

Atleti Need a Lift

A 1-0 defeat to Las Palmas over the weekend officially killed off Atletico’s La Liga title hopes, capping a dismal few weeks that also saw them exit the Copa del Rey and Champions League. Antoine Griezmann was benched, Sorloth led the line alongside Alvarez, and the team looked toothless.

After a record-breaking winter streak, it’s all come undone. With top-four still not guaranteed, they need to end strong and fast.

Rayo Hope to Capitalise on Unrest

Rayo Vallecano haven’t been much better, with just 1 win in their last 9 games. They still have a chance of getting Europa League qualification, but time is running out and they need results fast. They’ve held their own away from home this season, but goals and wins have been in short supply.

They haven’t beaten Atleti in La Liga since 2013, and it would take a serious turnaround to change that stat.

How the Bookies See It

Atletico are 1.52 favourites to get back on track at the Metropolitano. Rayo are 6.60 to spring an upset, while the draw is priced at 4.00. There’s value in Atletico to win and under 3.5 goals at 2.05, especially given both teams’ lack of recent firepower.

Head-to-Head: All Atleti

This has been a one-sided rivalry. Rayo haven’t won any of their 4 visits to this stadium and haven’t beaten Atleti anywhere in over a decade. Simeone’s side have kept it tight in these fixtures, conceding just 2 goals in their last 4 home meetings with Rayo.

Players to Watch

Julian Alvarez is looking like Atleti’s biggest threat right now. 3 goals in his last 3 league appearances, and he’s averaging nearly two shots on target per game. I like him to keep that run going and he’s 2.25 to hit over 1.5 shots on target.

Predicted Lineups

Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Azpilicueta, Gimenez, Le Normand, Llorente, Lino, Barrios, De Paul, Simeone, Alvarez, Sorloth
Rayo Vallecano: Batalla, Chavarria, Ciss, Lejeune, Ratiu, Gumbau, Diaz, A. Garcia, U. Lopez, De Frutos, Nteka