Athletic Bilbao enters this match with a strong home advantage, reflected in the odds favoring them at 1.58. Their consistent performance this season, with an average of 1.59 goals per game, positions them as favorites. Rayo Vallecano, with odds of 6.2, faces a challenging task but has shown resilience with a possession rate of 50.79%. The draw, at odds of 3.74, remains a plausible outcome given both teams' ability to score.
Athletic Bilbao's strengths lie in their offensive capabilities, averaging 12.34 shots per game and maintaining a solid defense with only 0.83 goals conceded per match. Their tactical approach often involves high pressing and quick transitions, leveraging players like Iñaki Williams and Oihan Sancet.
Rayo Vallecano, while underdogs, have demonstrated effective counter-attacking strategies, supported by players like Jorge de Frutos. Their defensive statistics, including 41.45 interceptions per game, highlight their ability to disrupt opponents' play.
Head-to-head, Athletic Bilbao has historically had the upper hand, but Rayo Vallecano's recent form suggests they could pose a significant threat.