Key Facts
- Rayo Vallecano sits in 12th place with eight points, while Athletic Bilbao is in 10th place with eight points as well—a win would create some distance between the two teams.
- Sergio Camello’s equalizer to make it 1–1 against Osasuna highlights his importance to Rayo’s versatile attack, which also led to victories against Espanyol and Racing Santander.
- The absences of attacking players Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet weaken Bilbao’s offense; this supports the Double Chance bet on Rayo Vallecano or a draw.
- Bilbao’s recent draws against Elche and Deportivo Alavés support the pick for a draw, especially since Rayo’s most recent league match against Osasuna also ended in a draw.
- Rayo has conceded 13 goals in their last five games and has scored in every one; which supports the prediction of a high-scoring game despite Bilbao’s solid defense.
- Bilbao’s historically better record against Rayo is worth noting; however, the most recent recorded competitive match between the two ended in a draw, which lends credence to this prediction.
Match Preview
Without Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet, Edin Terzic must reshuffle Bilbao’s attack for Saturday’s league match at Rayo. A Beñat San José-led team that has recently shown improvement awaits at the Estadio de Vallecas. Both clubs are tied at eight points; a win could allow one to pull ahead of the other. The last recorded competitive match between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw from Rayo’s perspective, though Bilbao has the better overall record.
- Venue: Estadio de Vallecas, Madrid
- Date and Time: October 10, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
- Competition: La Liga (Matchday 8)
On the betting market, both teams are nearly even. However, Bilbao’s two consecutive draws in the league and the absences in their attack suggest betting on a draw and the Double Chance: Rayo or Draw. Bilbao’s 0–0 draw against Deportivo Alavés shows that not every game is high-scoring. This bet is therefore riskier. Nevertheless, a factor in favor of all three bets is that Rayo has scored in each of the listed league matches but has also conceded goals. Thus, a high-scoring draw is quite possible. Anyone who wants to place one of these bets using a new customer bonus should check the bonus terms and conditions first.
Rayo Form & Record Check
Rayo most recently played to a 1-1 draw at Osasuna in the league, with Sergio Camello scoring the equalizer. His seven league goals show just how effective San José’s versatile attack can be. This approach also led to victories against Espanyol and Racing Santander. However, Rayo has conceded at least one goal in each of the last five league games listed. Their high press has repeatedly left space for opponents. Augusto Batalla is out; Emil Audero is a possible replacement in goal.
Bilbao Form & Record Check
Bilbao’s most recent league match against Deportivo Alavés ended 0–0, with Oihan Sancet missing a penalty kick. Even the 1–1 draw against Elche prior to that—following the 3–0 win over Atlético Madrid—suggested a setback. Against Bilbao’s solid defense, Rayo’s high-scoring form is less significant. However, the absences of Sancet and Nico Williams also weaken the case for a Bilbao victory. Álex Berenguer and Robert Navarro are potential alternatives up front.
Rayo vs. Bilbao Head-to-Head & Statistics
Bilbao has won 14 of the 22 recorded competitive matches between the two teams. This record highlights Bilbao’s historical strength against Rayo. The most recent recorded competitive match in February 2026 ended in a 1-1 draw from Rayo’s perspective, which lends credence to the prediction of a draw. In each of the last seven recorded matches, fewer than two goals were scored before halftime. However, the halftime score alone does not determine whether the 2.5-goal mark will be reached in the entire game. Rayo’s recent high-scoring league results do suggest, however, that this mark could be reached this time.
