Rayo – Atl Madrid

In the final matchday of 2015 in the Spanish La Liga, Rayo Vallecano and Atletico Madrid will both try to recover after disappointing losses in the previous round.

Rayo was in poor forming coming into last round’s game at Santiago Bernabeu, losing 3 consecutive matches, but nobody expected the 10-2 destruction that took place. They did play an hour with 2 less men, so that obviously played a huge role in the defeat. But Rayo has been horrible defensively in the last 4 games, when they allowed no less than 17 goals, despite not playing against super strong teams – except, of course, Real Madrid. The hosts are currently on the 18th place and will not be too confident coming into a match against Atletico.

Atletico probably missed its chance to finish 2015 on the first place in La Liga after their 1-0 loss at Malaga last round. They can still do it, but they need Betis Sevilla to get something against Barcelona, which is very unlikely. The loss at Malaga came after an incredible run of 9 consecutive wins in all competitions, in which Atletico allowed only 3 goals, so it can be ruled as an accident – as Diego Simeone’s men have played really well over the last month.

Bet now on Rayo Vallecano vs. Atl Madrid with the best La Liga odds at 1xbet.com.

Team news & lineups:

Nacho, Cobeno, Ebert, Tono, Baena and probably Rat will not play for Rayo, while Atletico Madrid won’t be able to count on Gabi, Tiago and Filipe Luis.

Rayo Vallecano: Yoel – Quini, Llorente, Castro, Amaya – Trashorras, Jozabed – Bebe, Lass, Hernandez – Guerra

Atletico Madrid: Oblak – Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Siqueira – Koke, Nguez, Partey – Griezmann, Jackson, Carrasco

The way Rayo Vallecano is defending right now, it looks very likely that Atletico can score a couple of goals here, maybe even more. On the other hand, out of form Rayo won’t have it easy to break down an Atletico Madrid defense that leaked only 4 goals in the last 10 matches. Considering this and the obvious quality difference, I expect the visitors to get the three points here. The injuries and suspensions won’t help Rayo either.

Atletico Madrid wants to finish the year tied for the first place with Barcelona and the way Rayo is playing, an upset does not seem likely to happen. I expect Atletico Madrid to act like a big club and bounce back after playing below their usual level in the previous round. My tip is Atletico Madrid to win. If Rayo does not improve its performance, it might even be a blowout victory for the visitors. Prediction: Rayo Vallecano – Atletico Madrid 0-2.

Pick: Atletico Madrid
Odds: 1.60 @ 1xBet
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 5.40
Event date: 30 December