Verdict: Atletico Madrid win
Best Odds: 5/8
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Seeking an immediate response Thursday night, Atletico Madrid will welcome local rivals Rayo Vallecano to the Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid
Starting with the hosts, while Atletico Madrid might have marked their return from Spain’s festive break at the heart of a La Liga title scrap, Diego Simeone’s men have failed to find any real stability over the past couple of months. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Las Palmas last weekend as they eventually fell to a 1-0 loss, Los Colchoneros have seen their title dreams take a critical blow. Getting the midweek fixtures underway sat 10 points adrift of leaders Barcelona, Atletico have come under some serious scrutiny. Despite getting April underway with back-to-back La Liga victories against Real Valladolid and Sevilla, Thursday’s hosts have won just a pair of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. Although Simeone’s camp might be breezing their way to another Champions League spot, Atletico do have the feel of a squad seeking a crucial boost here.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Heading into Thursday’s showdown at the Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns. Forced to settle for a spot on the bench away at Las Palmas last weekend, French superstar Antoine Griezmann should be handed a full recall.
Making a permanent move from Premier League giants Chelsea last summer, Conor Gallagher could once again be deployed on the left-hand side of Simeone’s midfield. Enjoying what has been a real romp in the Spanish capital this season, ex-Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez will play a leading role in the final third.
Rayo Vallecano
As for the visitors, while Rayo Vallecano might currently find themselves sat in the top-half of the La Liga standings, Inigo Perez’s men have come crashing back down to earth since their bright start to 2025. Eventually forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Valencia last weekend, the Little Thunderbolts have registered just a single win from any of their previous nine consecutive La Liga appearances – a rut that stems back to February 7th. Getting April underway with a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Espanyol, the Madrid-based outfit should be bracing themselves for a heavyweight challenge in midweek. Including a 2-1 loss when they travelled across the capital last season, Perez’s side have lost 10 of their previous 11 trips to their local rivals.
Rayo Vallecano Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Atletico Madrid will once again be without the trio of Abdul Mumin, Sergio Camello and former Rayo Vallecano midfielder Jonathan Montiel. Returning from a knock prior to March’s international break, Isi Palazon should get some more minutes under his belt.
One-time Newcastle star Florian Lejeune will partner Pathe Ciss at the heart of Perez’s defence on Thursday night. Raul de Tomas could be handed a full recall and make a first La Liga start of 2025.
Atletico Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano Key Factors to Consider
- Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in all of their previous 11 straight home fixtures against Rayo Vallecano (10 wins, one draw).
- Atletico have recorded just a pair of wins from their last nine appearances across all competitions.
- The Little Thunderbolts have registered just a single win from any of their previous nine consecutive La Liga appearances – a rut that stems back to February 7th.
- Likewise, Vallecano have lost three of their previous four La Liga showdowns on the road.
- Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has recorded 26 goals across all competitions so far this season.
Conclusion
Suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Las Palmas last weekend as they eventually fell to a shock 1-0 loss, Atletico Madrid are desperately seeking a much-welcomed response here. Mustering just a pair of wins from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions and with their La Liga title dreams going up in smoke, Simeone’s camp should at least be excited by a dominant record against their local rivals. Winning 10 of their previous 11 home fixtures against Rayo Vallecano, Atletico are installed as a standout contender on Thursday night.
Verdict: Atletico Madrid win
Best Odds: 5/8
Bookmaker: Dachbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
