Prediction: Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

With Madrid bragging rights up for grabs on Monday night, Atletico will travel across the Spanish capital when they meet Rayo Vallecano.

Rayo Vallecano

Starting with the hosts, while Rayo Vallecano might have been disappointed after eventually missing out on a top-half finish, the Little Thunderbolts did impress many across La Liga. Really laying down a marker since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, Francisco’s men should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Getting proceedings underway on August 11th as they landed a 2-0 victory away at Almeria, the one-time Girona boss saw his side make another statement last time out. Claiming another 2-0 win against Granada, there is no doubt that Vallecano will be excited to make a return to the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas on Monday night. Gaining a reputation for their extended success on home soil last season, it should be highlighted that the Whites won four of their final five top-flight showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Team News

Yet to make a first La Liga appearance after picking up a pre-season knock, Rayo Vallecano will once again be unable to call upon former Tenerife striker Andres Martin on Monday night. Coming off the bench and finding the net away at Granada last week, Pathe Ciss could be handed a recall here.

North Macedonian international Stole Dimitrievski will once again start between the sticks. Making the move from Osasuna this summer, Aridane Hernandez will partner one-time Newcastle defender Florian Lejeune at the back.

Atletico Madrid

As for the visitors, disappointed after having to settle for what was an uneventful 0-0 stalemate away at Real Betis last week, Atletico Madrid will be seeking an immediate response here. Opening up the 2023/24 campaign with an eye-catching 3-1 victory at home against Granada, Diego Simeone’s men certainly have their sights set on mounting a genuine title charge this time around. Eventually breezing their way to another Champions League ticket back in May, the Spanish heavyweights will be excited by a stellar record against their local rivals. Landing a 2-1 victory when they travelled to the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas back on April 9th, it should be noted that Atletico are unbeaten in each of their last 14 straight meetings against Monday’s hosts across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to February 2013.

Team News

Dealing with a stacked injury list, Atletico will be unable to call upon the likes of Koke, Reinildo Mandava and Jose Maria Gimenez on Monday night. Likewise, making it clear that he is seeking a move away this summer, Portugal international Joao Felix will not feature here.

Opening the season with a strike against Granada on August 14th, one-time Manchester United striker and Dutch marksman Memphis Depay will spearhead Simeone’s charge at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two Madrid rivals last met back on April 9th, Atletico picked up a 2-1 victory at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.
• Likewise, the former La Liga champions are unbeaten in each of their previous 14 straight meetings against Monday’s hosts – a run that’s stems back to February 2013.
• However, Rayo Vallecano are one of just three clubs that can boast a 100% start to the new season.
• The Little Thunderbolts also won four of their final five top-flight showdowns in front of their own supporters.
• Alongside Barcelona, Monday’s hosts are one of just two clubs that are yet to ship a top-flight strike this season.

Conclusion

While Atletico might be tipped as a standout contender to claim Madrid bragging rights here, the title hopefuls will certainly face a tough challenge here. Watching Rayo Vallecano open up the 2023/24 campaign with back-to-back 2-0 victories against Granada and Almeria, Monday’s hosts will certainly be excited to make a return to the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas. One of just two clubs alongside reigning champions Barcelona that are yet to sink a single strike from their opening two top-flight showdowns.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet